National Football League team and reigning Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots, are going to be a sponsor for this year’s annual Gay Bowl, a national flag football tournament specifically for members of the LGBT community.
For many fans, this is a big deal, especially considering the NFL’s past with perceived homophobia.
According to the Gay Bowl website, the games are put on every year during Columbus Day weekend, and are organized by the National Gay Flag Football League. Bleacher Report also reports that the queer-inclusive flag football tourney has been put on every year since 2002.
Boston will play host city to this year’s Gay Bowl, which will take place from October 5 to October 8, and there is a planned turnout of 40 flag football teams participating.
The only question left to ask is: will any of these teams need cheerleaders? Because we’d be happy to volunteer…
From left: Unrivaled players Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, and Saniya Rivers.Megan Briggs/Getty Images; Supriya Limaye/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images; Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images
From left: NCAA basketball stars Rori Harmon, Azzi Fudd, and Lauren Betts.Scott Wachter/Getty Images; Maddie Meyer/Getty Images; Maddie Meyer/Getty Images