New Wheelchair Football League Gets Startup Funding From The NFL

Football is one of the most popular sports in America, and now, the National Football League is looking to fund a more inclusive program for those with limited mobility.

Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) has revealed that the commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, has given a grant to a new Football league that will see persons in wheelchairs compete on 60-yard, hard surface courts, TMZ Sports reports.

However, there are a few different aspects of the wheelchair league that varies from the professional league sport.

For instance, each team will have seven players on the field at a time as opposed to the NFL, which allows 11.

Instead of tackling to stop someone with the ball, players have to place one hand above the opponent’s waste.

Lastly, kicking is eliminated from the game altogether. However, the DSUSA organization says those are the only changes.

“If it is legal in the Stand-Up game, it is legal in the USA Wheelchair Football League,” the DSUSA said.

On the league’s website, the new organization gives fans a look at what to expect when the sport begins.

“It provides an exciting option for athletes looking for a fast-paced, competitive sport. Beginning this fall, the USA Wheelchair Football League will bring you all of the hard-hitting, fast-paced, action you enjoy. This league is the first of it’s kind for adults with physical disabilities looking to play America’s Favorite Sport,” the website read.

The NFL is also expected to help push the new wheelchair league, with a special introduction during the NFL Draft.

Brad Lang, Purple Heart recipient, and Marine veteran Bad Lang will also be participating in helping introduce the sport. Back in 2011, Lang lost both his legs in Afghanistan, the outlet reports.

“Our players go fast! Forget a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, a USAWFL player can go do it in under 4 seconds,” the website continued. “Our athletes are tough and aren’t afraid to take a hit. … All of the excitement of football, played by amazing athletes!”

Set to possibly begin this fall, depending on what happens with the coronavirus pandemic, games will take place in Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Kansas City.

“We believe that sports has the unique power to bring people together and to push them beyond what is possible, redefining their ability,” Executive Director for DSUSA Glenn Merry stated. “We are excited to launch the Wheelchair Football league in cadence with the NFL Draft driving a new generation of aspiring athletes to reimagine this ability.”