NFL and Toyota Name 10 Finalists for 2026 NFL Flag Players of the Year
NEW YORK — Ten standout young flag football athletes are officially in the running for one of the sport's biggest honors. The NFL and Toyota announced Wednesday the finalists for the 2026 NFL Flag Players of the Year Presented by Toyota, celebrating five girls and five boys who aren't just talented on the field, but who show up as genuine leaders in their communities, too.
This isn't just about stats and highlight reels. Every finalist was evaluated against the NFL's core values — respect, integrity, responsibility to team and resiliency — both on and off the field. It's a reminder that the future of football isn't only being built by the biggest arm or the fastest 40 time; it's being shaped by kids who lead with character.
How the Finalists Get Picked
The finalists emerged out of the 2026 NFL Flag Championships, the largest youth flag football tournament in the world, held July 23-26 at Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. The event pulled together roughly 3,500 athletes across more than 350 girls' and boys' teams, including NFL Flag regional champions representing all 32 NFL clubs and international squads from five continents. So making this finalist list means standing out in a genuinely massive, genuinely global talent pool.
One boy and one girl will ultimately be crowned Player of the Year, with the winners announced in January and honored on the same stage as the NFL's biggest stars at NFL Honors, the primetime awards special airing on Netflix during Super Bowl LXI week.
Meet the Boys Finalists
Cruz Burton (Lawrenceville, New Jersey) attends The Lawrenceville School and plays for Yorkville. Known for staying poised when the pressure's on, Burton has built a reputation as someone who rises to the occasion in the biggest moments.
Levi Huftalin (Mesa, Arizona) attends ALA-Mesa North and competes for GYFL Elite. His standout trait isn't a stat line — it's sportsmanship, consistently shown toward teammates, coaches, opponents and officials alike.
Quinn Miles (Overland Park, Kansas) attends Shawnee Mission West High School and plays for the KC Shockers. A four-year flag football veteran, Miles is a true two-way threat at wide receiver and safety, recognized for his resilience and competitive edge.
Charlie Phillips (Nolensville, Tennessee) competes for 37135 Elite and has turned heads with his work ethic. His growth over the past year and a half has caught the attention of coaches, fans and peers alike.
James Rieger (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) attends Episcopal School of Baton Rouge and plays for Team Louisiana. Resilience defines his game — every setback becomes fuel for the next level of improvement.
Meet the Girls Finalists
Maliyah Edwards (Ontario, California) attends Western Christian High School and plays for So Cal Reign. Playing since age six, she brings relentless energy and positivity to every practice, game and tournament.
Zahra Hill (Round Rock, Texas) attends Cedar Ridge High School and competes for Texas Fury. In two years of play, her versatility at wide receiver and cornerback has made her a genuine dynamic two-way contributor.
Landry Johnson (Waxhaw, North Carolina) attends Marvin Ridge High School and plays for the Lady Outlaws. She leads by example, with sportsmanship and support for teammates at the center of everything she does.
Sofia Lafontant (Danvers, Massachusetts) attends St. Mary's High School and plays for CK Divas. Playing since third grade, she's built a reputation as a resilient teammate and a fierce competitor.
Kate Mikuls (Shawnee, Kansas) attends Mill Valley High School and plays for the KC Shockers. As a steady leader under center, coaches trust her to help the team weather adversity and stay composed in close games.
Why This Matters
"Each of these ten finalists are deserving of this recognition and we take great pride in honoring them on the same stage as the NFL's best," said Dedra DeLilli, Toyota's vice president of marketing communications. She added that Toyota is proud to celebrate athletes whose leadership and community commitment are shaping the future of the game.
Brian Flinn, the NFL's senior vice president of global flag football, credited the sport's explosive growth to athletes exactly like these ten. He said the finalists represent the very best of flag football and that their character and passion are inspiring even more young people to pick up the game.
Between the NFL, Toyota and event operator RCX Sports, the partnership behind this recognition is clearly about more than a single award — it's about continuing to expand access to flag football for millions of young athletes around the world. And based on the talent and character on display from this group of ten, the sport's future is in very good hands.
