Football is the most popular sport in American high schools, with a record-breaking 8 million students participating in high school athletics during the 2023-24 school year. Despite concerns about declining interest after the pandemic, we’ve actually witnessed a remarkable resurgence in high school football participation across the country. In fact, this is the first time in history that high school sports participation has exceeded the eight-million mark.
When examining how many people play high school football specifically, the numbers are equally impressive. Boys’ 11-player football has increased in popularity for three of the past four years, reversing a trend that had been ongoing for nearly two decades. Previously, 973,792 American high school boys played football during the 2021-22 school year, making it by far the most popular high school sport. Additionally, high school football participation has grown considerably since the pandemic, with overall sports participation increasing by 444,248 students in just two years. Perhaps most surprisingly, girls’ flag football has emerged as the fastest-growing sport, with participation skyrocketing by an astounding 388 percent.
The numbers behind football’s rise
Looking at the participation data reveals a fascinating portrait of high school football’s current standing. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) reports that 11-player football remains the undisputed king of high school sports for boys, with participation numbers that dwarf other athletic programs.
How many high schoolers play football today?
The latest figures show that 11-player football continues to be the most widely played sport among high school boys. Moreover, when combining all football formats—including 11-player, 9-player, 8-player, and 6-player variations—the numbers become even more impressive. Football’s combined formats make it the most significant team sport in American high schools by a considerable margin.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that football participation is growing across multiple formats simultaneously. While 11-player football maintains its dominance, alternative formats are gaining traction in communities where smaller school populations previously made fielding full teams challenging.
Boys vs. girls participation trends
The gender breakdown in football participation shows interesting developments. Boys’ participation in traditional tackle football has stabilized after years of decline, with recent seasons showing modest growth.
Meanwhile, girls’ flag football has emerged as a genuine phenomenon. Unlike most established sports, flag football isn’t just growing—it’s exploding in popularity among female athletes. This parallel growth in both boys’ tackle football and girls’ flag football demonstrates football’s expanding appeal across gender lines, creating new pathways for athletic participation.
Growth since the pandemic
Football’s post-pandemic recovery has been remarkable. After COVID-19 temporarily halted organized sports, many wondered if football would regain its footing. Consequently, the rebound has exceeded expectations.
Football participation numbers have not just recovered but surpassed pre-pandemic levels in many states. This resurgence is part of a broader recovery in high school sports, which saw participation increase by nearly half a million students in just two years following the pandemic disruptions.
The sport’s growth since 2021 has been particularly strong in states with traditional football cultures, but interestingly, some of the most significant percentage increases have come from regions not typically associated with football dominance. This geographic expansion suggests football’s appeal is widening beyond its traditional strongholds.
The unexpected surge in girls flag football
Girls flag football has emerged as a breakout success story in high school sports. The explosive growth of this relatively new offering has caught many administrators by surprise, creating unprecedented opportunities for female athletes across the country.
Flag football participation doubled in one year
The numbers tell a remarkable story of rapid adoption. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, girls flag football saw participation jump to 68,847 players in the 2024-25 school year, marking a 60% increase from the previous year. This dramatic surge made it one of the fastest-growing sports in American high schools.
In California alone, 19,921 girls participated in flag football last school year, representing nearly 29% of all high school flag football players nationwide. The Golden State witnessed an astonishing 84% increase in participation from 2023 to 2024, with the number of schools offering the sport climbing from 433 to 697.
States leading the charge in girls flag football
Currently, 17 states have officially sanctioned girls flag football as a high school sport. The pioneers include:
- Florida (with the longest-standing program)
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Nevada
- Alaska
- New York
- Arizona
- Illinois
- California
Furthermore, Colorado and Montana were expected to sanction the sport in 2024, while Mississippi, Tennessee, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Ohio joined the movement more recently. Beyond that, another 22 states are running pilot programs, bringing the total to 32 state associations involved with girls flag football in some capacity.
Why girls are choosing flag football
The appeal of flag football for female athletes extends beyond simply trying something new. First off, the sport offers legitimate pathways to higher education, as more colleges now provide varsity or club women’s flag football teams along with scholarship opportunities.
Additionally, flag football’s upcoming inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has significantly boosted interest. The NFL has also played a crucial role in promoting the sport, partnering with youth leagues and even airing a star-studded commercial during the Super Bowl.
Notably, flag football creates a sense of ownership and empowerment. It encourages boldness, quick decision-making, and builds confidence that translates to other areas of life. The sport’s inclusive nature welcomes all body types and skill levels, creating an environment that celebrates effort over perfection.
What’s fueling the comeback of traditional football
Traditional tackle football has experienced a remarkable resurgence in high schools across America. After years of declining numbers, the sport has bounced back strongly, defying predictions about its future. Several key factors have contributed to this surprising comeback.
Improved safety protocols and training
The perception of football has shifted dramatically as safety measures have evolved. Modern helmets with advanced impact technology have reduced concussion risks significantly. Beyond equipment improvements, coaching methods have transformed, with tackling techniques now prioritizing head-out approaches. Many states have also implemented strict practice contact limits to reduce repeated impacts during training sessions.
Comprehensive concussion protocols now exist at virtually every level of play. These include baseline testing, mandatory removal from play after suspected concussions, and graduated return-to-play requirements. The combination of these safety improvements has helped reassure parents who might otherwise steer their children toward different activities.
Community support and Friday night culture
Throughout America, high school football remains far more than just a game. In many communities, Friday night lights create a cultural centerpiece that brings together multiple generations. This enduring tradition creates powerful social bonds that transcend the sport itself.
The pandemic inadvertently strengthened this connection. After experiencing seasons with limited attendance or canceled games, communities have embraced the return of full stadiums with renewed enthusiasm. For many towns, especially in rural areas, football games represent one of the few consistent community-wide gatherings.
More schools offering football than ever before
Perhaps most surprisingly, the number of schools offering football programs continues to grow. Alternative formats like 6-player, 8-player, and 9-player football have allowed smaller schools to maintain viable programs. These adaptable approaches mean schools with limited enrollment can still provide football opportunities.
The sport’s inclusivity has expanded as well. Cooperative sponsorships between neighboring districts have created sustainable programs where individual schools couldn’t field teams alone. Indeed, these collaborative approaches have preserved football in communities where it might otherwise have disappeared entirely.
Football’s evolving formats and future potential
Beyond traditional 11-player formats, football continues to evolve in ways that ensure its future relevance and accessibility. These innovations are expanding opportunities for smaller schools and embracing digital engagement.
The rise of 6-, 8-, and 9-player football
Alternative football formats have become vital for schools with smaller enrollments. These modified versions maintain football’s essential character while requiring fewer players on the field. Remarkably, 6-player football saw a 12% increase in schools offering the format last year alone. For many rural communities, these adaptations have preserved football traditions that might otherwise have disappeared due to declining enrollment.
Esports and digital engagement with football
Digital platforms have created entirely new ways to engage with football. The explosive popularity of football video games has introduced the sport to youth who might never have played on physical fields. Clearly, this digital connection complements rather than competes with traditional participation. The NFL’s partnership with major gaming platforms has further cemented this relationship, creating year-round engagement with football concepts and strategies.
How NFHS football rules are adapting
The National Federation of State High School Associations continues refining football rules to balance tradition with modern concerns. Recent changes focus primarily on safety modifications without compromising the game’s fundamental nature. Furthermore, the NFHS has embraced technological innovations like digital rule books and officiating apps to improve consistency. These adaptations demonstrate football’s ability to honor tradition while embracing necessary evolution.
Conclusion
Football’s remarkable resurgence in American high schools defies the predictions many made just a few years ago. Rather than fading away after the pandemic, the sport has experienced unprecedented growth, with overall participation exceeding eight million students for the first time in history. This comeback reflects football’s enduring appeal and ability to evolve with the times.
Undoubtedly, the explosive rise of girls’ flag football stands as one of the most significant developments in high school athletics. This previously niche sport has transformed into a nationwide phenomenon, growing an astounding 388 percent and creating new athletic pathways for female students. Meanwhile, boys’ tackle football has stabilized and begun growing again after nearly two decades of decline.
Safety innovations have played a crucial role in this revival. Advanced helmet technology, improved tackling techniques, and comprehensive concussion protocols address many parental concerns that previously drove students away from the sport. These changes have preserved football’s physical nature while significantly reducing its risks.
Additionally, the sport’s adaptability ensures its continued relevance. Alternative formats like 6-player, 8-player, and 9-player football allow smaller schools to maintain viable programs despite limited enrollment. This flexibility has expanded football’s reach beyond traditional strongholds and into communities that previously couldn’t field full teams.
The digital world further enhances football’s appeal through esports and gaming platforms, creating year-round engagement with the sport’s concepts and strategies. These virtual connections complement physical participation instead of competing with it.
Football’s resilience ultimately stems from its deep community roots. The Friday night lights tradition continues to bring together multiple generations in a shared cultural experience. After pandemic disruptions reminded us how much these gatherings matter, communities have embraced the return of full stadiums with renewed enthusiasm.
The future of high school football looks surprisingly bright. Through innovation, adaptation, and a commitment to safety, this quintessentially American sport has transformed itself for a new generation while honoring its traditions. Football’s ability to evolve while maintaining its core appeal suggests it will remain central to the high school experience for years to come.