National Football League and Nike partner with Native American Athletic Foundation to bring all-star game to the Ford Center at The Star, world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys
FRISCO, TEXAS — Nov. 25, 2024 — Seventy Native American athletes from across the country will be selected to participate in the 2025 Native American All-Star Football Game on January 7, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, Texas, world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. The game will be produced by the Native American Athletic Foundation (NAAF) in partnership with the National Football League and Nike.
From January 3-7, 2025, top Native American high school athletes from across the United States will gather at The Star for high-quality coaching, college preparation, leadership training, life skills and positive coping tools, all designed to inspire and prepare them for future success.
“We are excited and honored to work with the NFL to make an impact in the lives of Native athletes,” said Michael Stopp, Executive Director, NAAF. “Our organization was established to use sports to develop the next generation of leaders in Indian Country. This partnership and this year’s game take an important step forward in meeting our mission.”
As the world headquarters and practice facility of the Dallas Cowboys, the Ford Center provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these young people, many of whom are traveling from Tribal reservations in remote areas. Playing on the same field as NFL professionals will help reinforce their commitment to sports, education, and community leadership.
“The Native American All-Star Football Game provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the diversity and talent within our game while fostering the development of the next generation of leaders,” said Roman Oben, NFL vice president of football development. “Through this partnership, we aim to create a lasting impact by giving Native athletes the same opportunities to succeed both on and off the field. This also reflects the NFL’s commitment to building character, promoting inclusivity and strengthening communities across the country.”
“Nike will provide uniforms for the Native American All-Star Football Game and Camp as part of its efforts to grow the game of football, and sport in general, among Native American and Indigenous youth – a core tenet of its ongoing Nike N7 efforts,” said Scott Hanson, Nike brand director. “As a champion for athletes and sport, Nike is committed to building inclusive communities, breaking down barriers to access for athletes around the world, and expanding sport for the next generation.”
The NAAF, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to creating athletic and educational opportunities for Native youth. The NAAF aims to shape future generations by building resilience and character both on the field and in their Tribal communities.
