ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The NFL’s only flag football league owned and operated by Native Americans on a Native American reservation is back for another season. The Santo Domingo NFL Flag Football League is looking to give kids in the area a chance to get outside an be active, regardless of their background.
Organizers of the league are doing whatever they can to ensure young athletes are able to participate without paying for fees or equipment. League president Gary Tenorio has gone as far as delivering on DoorDash part-time to pay for expenses.
“We want to ultimately just be a league where everyone can feel welcome and not be embarrassed or intimidated and to feel that there is some place that they can go even if they can’t afford it,” said Tenorio.
The league consists of 12 teams aged 8-15. The goal this year is to increase the competition level to allow athletes to play against teams from outside the region and state.
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This year also features a new coach with NFL and UFL experience. Former Valley Viking, UNM Lobo, New York Jet, and current St. Louis Battlehawk offensive tackle Teton Saltes has joined the league to show kids that hard work and dedication can allow them to achieve their athletic dreams.
“It’s special,” Saltes said. “It’s a blast. We get kids an opportunity, keeping them out of trouble. We’re just getting started, and it’s going to continue to grow and prosper. It’s awesome.”
The Santo Domingo NFL Flag Football League kicks off July 13.
