Las Vegas, NV / CRWE PRESS RELEASE / October 22, 2024  - The Global Flag Football League (GFFL), a pioneering professional league dedicated to both men's and women's flag football, is thrilled to announce the addition of the Las Vegas Bandits to its roster. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the league, which is co-owned by a consortium of current and former NFL players alongside their dedicated fanbase in and around NFL cities.

The Las Vegas Bandits will be led by none other than Super Bowl Champion and University of Oregon two sport Hall of Famer Patrick Johnson. Patrick, while at the University of Oregon excelled in both football and track and field, winning numerous awards and championships during his collegiate athletic career. As an Olympic-caliber sprinter, Johnson won the Pac-10 Championships in the 400 meters, an NCAA All-American at 100 and 200 meters, and defeated the legendary Carl Lewis in a 100-meter race at the Drake Relays in 1995. As an All-American wide receiver at Oregon, he was Offensive MVP of the 1997 Las Vegas Bowl and was also a member of UO’s 1994 Rose and 1995 Cotton Bowl teams. Johnson was inducted into the University of Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame for both sports in 2014 and was the 42nd overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft. Johnson earned a Super Bowl ring when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34-17 in Super Bowl XXXV.

Mr. Johnson, age 48, majored in Journalism and Communications at the University of Oregon from 1994 to 1997, and attended the Craig James Broadcast School in 2000. Johnson has held C-Level positions in the Financial Services, Oil and Gas, Consumer Products, Risk Management, Mining, Aerospace, Construction, and Nutraceutical Industries. Johnson, who was a second-round pick in the 1998 NFL Draft out of the University of Oregon, brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game to his new role as General Manager.

Patrick Johnson stated about the new venture, "We are excited to bring men’s and women’s professional flag football to the city and look forward to kicking off next spring.”   

The Las Vegas Bandits are proud to announce the launch of a new professional flag football team that promises to bring high-energy action, athleticism, and entertainment to the city. As one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States and recently recognized as an official LA28 Olympics sport, flag football is rapidly evolving into a dynamic spectacle, and Las Vegas is primed to become a leading hub for this rising phenomenon.

Why Las Vegas?

Las Vegas, home to over 2.9 million and rapidly growing, is a city built on entertainment, innovation, and excitement. Known for its legendary sports and entertainment scene, Las Vegas is the perfect city to host the Bandits. With an infrastructure designed to support major events, millions of tourists flocking in each year, and a vibrant community of sports enthusiasts, the city provides a unique platform for the success of a professional flag football franchise.

Flag football in Las Vegas is no stranger to success. The sport has witnessed a surge in popularity across the region, with local leagues, tournaments, and youth programs all contributing to the city’s growing passion for the game. Flag football-related businesses and events generate substantial revenue, estimated to be in the millions annually, driving economic growth while fostering a strong community bond. The Bandits will tap into this momentum, creating opportunities for fans, families, and athletes alike.

"We are excited to welcome the Las Vegas Bandits and Patrick Johnson to the GFFL family," said Marjorie Lewis, Commissioner of the Global Flag Football League. "Johnson’s legacy in football, combined with his vision for the future of the sport, makes him an ideal owner for our league. We look forward to seeing the Bandits take the field and contribute to the growth of flag football both locally and globally."

The Las Vegas Bandits will play their home games at a soon to be announced location providing fans with an exciting new way to experience football.

About The Global Flag Football League

The Global Flag Football League (GFFL) is a professional sports league dedicated to advancing flag football as a major sport. GFFL operates teams in cities with strong NFL ties and major college programs, aiming to provide a platform for professional flag football that is both entertaining and accessible to a wide audience. GFFL is a subsidiary of publicly traded Crown Equity Holdings, Inc. (CRWE).

For more information about the Global Flag Football League, and upcoming events, please visit GFFL.pro or follow us on social media: Facebook || X

About The Las Vegas Bandits

The Las Vegas Bandits are a professional flag football team set to debut in Spring 2025. It is committed to delivering an elite level of competition, entertainment, and community involvement. Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and the Bandits are thrilled to bring this exciting, family-friendly experience to Las Vegas.

The company can be found at: https://lvbandits2025.footballshift.com/home,  https://thelasvegasbandits.com/, and lvbanditsgffl.com.

The Las Vegas Bandits Media Contact: info@thelasvegasbandits.com

Contact:

Jay Lawrence
Global Flag Football League
239-980-4397
Jay@gffl.pro

Source: Global Flag Football League