Seventy Native American athletes from across the U.S. will compete in a prestigious all-star football game aimed at empowering young talent through sports, leadership, and community.

The Native American Athletic Foundation (NAAF) has teamed up with the National Football League (NFL) and Nike to bring the highly anticipated 2025 Native American All-Star Football Game to The Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ world-class headquarters in Frisco, Texas. This exciting event will take place on January 7, 2025, with a weeklong program running from January 3 to January 7, 2025, designed to equip high school seniors from federally recognized American Indian Tribes with valuable skills that extend beyond the football field.

A Life-Changing Opportunity for Native Athletes

Seventy standout Native American athletes from across the nation will participate in the All-Star Game, but the experience doesn’t end there. For four days, these young athletes will engage in elite coaching sessions, leadership training, and workshops focused on college preparation and life skills development. The goal is to provide them with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the field, ensuring they’re ready to take on the challenges of the next chapter in their lives.

Michael Stopp, Executive Director of the Native American Athletic Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We are excited and honored to work with the NFL to make an impact in the lives of Native athletes. 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.”

Eligibility and Application Details

To be eligible, athletes must be high school seniors who have completed their final football season and are enrolled members of a federally recognized American Indian Tribe. The application window is open until December 6, 2024. Interested players can apply online through the NAAF’s official website.

A Platform to Play Among NFL Professionals

Held at the Ford Center, a state-of-the-art practice facility, the 2025 Native American All-Star Football Game will allow participants the rare opportunity to play on the same field as NFL professionals. This milestone moment marks a symbolic journey for many athletes, who travel from remote Tribal reservations to experience life on the grand stage of professional football, celebrating their talent and hard work.

Roman Oben, NFL Vice President of Football Development, emphasized the game’s importance in providing visibility and opportunity for Native athletes: “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. 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.”

Nike’s Commitment to Expanding Opportunities

In line with its ongoing Nike N7 efforts, Nike will provide uniforms for the game and camp, reinforcing the company’s commitment to breaking barriers and providing access to sports for Native American and Indigenous youth. Scott Hanson, Nike Brand Director, expressed his company’s support, stating, “Nike is committed to building inclusive communities, breaking down barriers to access for athletes around the world, and expanding sport for the next generation.”

A Bright Future for Native Athletes

The 2025 Native American All-Star Football Game offers more than just a showcase of athletic talent. It serves as a powerful platform for these young athletes to step into the spotlight, demonstrating the strength, resilience, and potential of Native youth while paving the way for future success both in sports and in life.

This historic event represents a major step in empowering the next generation of Native leaders, helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future for athletes across Indian Country.