The Minnesota Vikings will celebrate the state’s rapid growth of girls flag football during Saturday’s preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. Kickoff for the second preseason game is scheduled for Noon CT.
Since 2022, the Vikings have invested more than $2 million to expand girls flag football and remove barriers to participation across the region. Following a pilot program with four participating high schools in 2024, the sport grew to 51 programs in 2025 before more than doubling to 104 programs in 2026. In June, Rosemount High School became the state’s second championship team after defeating Rogers 45-12.
As the nation’s fastest-growing sport, girls flag football is now a varsity sport in 23 states and Washington, D.C. The Vikings are working toward a similar outcome in Minnesota and encouraging the Minnesota State High School League to provide emerging sport status to further evaluate the long-term sustainability and structure for potential varsity sport sanctioning.
Fans will see the following girls flag football elements before and during Sunday’s game:
Gjallarhorn
Rosemount High School junior quarterback Talia Vescio will sound the Gjallarhorn prior to kickoff. Vescio threw 65 touchdowns during the 2026 season as she led the Irish to an undefeated regular season and the 2026 state title. She was named the 2026 All-Minnesota Girls Flag Football Player of the Year.
Halftime Entertainment
The Vikings will host a girls flag football game between Rogers High School and Centennial High School. Both Rogers and Centennial qualified for the 2026 state championship tournament, with Rogers ultimately falling to Rosemount in the championship game.
In-Game Presentations
The Vikings will hold two in-game presentations this Saturday. The 2026 state championship team from Rosemount High School will be recognized on the field during the game. Minnesota’s All-State Girls Flag Football Team, presented by Hy-Vee, will also be recognized on the field during the game. The 16-member team will be accompanied by the Girls Flag Football Coach of the Year, Jeff Erdmann. Erdmann coaches both the Rosemount High School tackle football team and girls flag football team.
(info courtesy of Vikings)
