HACKENSACK, N.J. – For the second time in as many months, FDU Athletics announced the sponsorship of a new program. The Knights announced the addition of women's flag football, a team that will debut in the spring of 2027.

FDU is set to join the Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League, a landmark initiative that will redefine competitive opportunities for women in the sport. The league—launched through a transformative $1 million grant from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation—will debut in spring 2026 as the largest collegiate women's flag football league in the country. Powered by the vision of Woody Johnson and supported by the New York Jets, the ECAC, and USA Football, the new model creates an unprecedented pathway for student-athletes to compete at a high level in a rapidly growing sport.

"Providing new avenues for student-athletes to compete and grow is central to our mission at FDU," said Senior Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Brad Hurlbut. "Joining the Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League gives our women athletes an exciting platform to excel, develop as leaders, and be part of a groundbreaking moment in the sport. We're honored to join this league and grateful for the support that makes this opportunity possible."

For FDU, the addition of women's flag football represents a commitment to expanding athletic opportunities and supporting emerging sports that provide meaningful competitive and educational experiences. The 7-on-7 league will feature a full February–April regular season hosted on campus sites, preceded by a Media Day at MetLife Stadium and a USA Football Talent ID Camp to spotlight the sport's rising collegiate talent. The season will culminate with a championship game at MetLife Stadium, offering student-athletes a stage befitting the significance of this new era.

Women's flag football will be FDU's 23^rd varsity program and adds to an already dynamic repertoire of 14 women's teams. This marks the fourth program FDU has added since 2021.

The initiative builds upon the success of the Jets' regional high school girls' flag football programs, which have opened doors for thousands of young athletes and helped grow the sport nationwide. Now, through the Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League, collegiate athletes—including those at FDU—will have the chance to pursue competitive play, develop as leaders, and continue toward future opportunities such as Olympic participation or professional pathways as the sport continues its ascent.

By joining this pioneering league, FDU becomes part of a collaborative effort to elevate women's sports and foster long-term growth in flag football. The University is grateful for the Jets' and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation's support, which includes grant funding to offset program startup costs. With their partnership and the ECAC's leadership, FDU is excited to help shape the future of women's flag football and provide its student-athletes with a new platform to excel.

About ECAC
The ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) is an eighty-eight year-old organization with over 200 members schools across all three NCAA Divisions - I, II and III—that exists to enhance the experience of student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics, and provide great value for universities and colleges, by sponsoring championships, leagues, bowl games, tournaments and other competitions throughout the Northeast and beyond. The ECAC also hosts a comprehensive esports program with more than 300 member schools across the country fielding 2500 teams participating in 24 different esports games, streamed live four nights a week.

About Betty Wold Johnson Foundation
The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation is dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of Betty Wold Johnson —a visionary philanthropist and beloved matriarch of the Johnson family. Guided by  her deep compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the dignity of every individual, the Foundation supports initiatives that uplift communities and foster lasting impact across education, public service, arts and sports. Rooted in Betty Wold Johnson's lifelong commitment to civic responsibility and the American experience, the Foundation champions access to essential resources such as food, shelter, education, and employment. It invests in innovative programs, scientific research, and cultural institutions that enrich the spirit and strengthen the fabric of society. From her historic $11 million gift to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center — the largest individual donation in its history — to her steadfast support of the Liberty Science Center, McCarter Theatre, Princeton Hospital, and the Lupus Research Alliance, Ms. Johnson's philanthropy was as bold as it was personal. Her legacy is one of generosity, grace, and a belief that every life is worthy of dignity and opportunity.The Foundation continues her work with thoughtful stewardship, cost-effective giving, and a commitment to reaching the greatest number of people with every dollar donated.

About New York Jets
The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the New York Titans, an original member of the American Football League (AFL). The Jets won Super Bowl III, defeating the NFL's Baltimore Colts in 1969. In 1970, the franchise joined the National Football League in the historic AFL–NFL merger that set the foundation for today's league. As part of a commitment to its fan base through innovation and experiences, the team has created initiatives such as, its trailblazing Jets Rewards program, a state-of-the-art mobile app, and 1JD Entertainment, a comprehensive content platform that gives fans greater access to the team across all digital and social platforms. The organization takes great pride in a long-standing, year-round commitment to their community. These programs are funded by the New York Jets Foundation and look to positively influence the lives of young men and women in the tri-state area, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The organization supports the efforts of the Lupus Research Alliance, youth football and numerous established charitable organizations and causes sponsored by the NFL. The New York Jets play in MetLife Stadium, which opened in 2010, and are headquartered at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. For more information about the New York Jets visit newyorkjets.com.

About FDU Athletics
FDU is home to 23 NCAA Division I teams. A member of the NEC, the Knights have had tremendous success in the classroom, in athletic competition as well as giving back to the Bergen County community. FDU became the first school in NEC history to win championships in women's volleyball, women's soccer, and men's soccer in the same season (2022). In 2023, the Burgundy and Blue also became the first NEC school to win two games as a 16-seed in the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, including an upset over top-seeded Purdue. As a result of its incredible 2022-23 season, FDU placed 92nd in the Learfield Director's Cup, the first NEC program to finish in the Top 100. In 2024, Salif Mane captured the Triple Jump title at the 2024 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships, went on to win the gold medal at the Team USA Olympic Trials, and compete at the Paris Olympics. In 2025, FDU won four conference championships in the span of 35 days in women's basketball, women's bowling, women's golf, and women's tennis. Off the field, FDU student-athletes were recognized for their efforts in the community by winning the NEC Building Communities Award in 2020, 2024 and 2025. In addition to recent championships, FDU holds four additional national championships, two in sport of women's fencing and two in women's bowling.