Key Takeaways
- DuJuan Harris, a five-season NFL veteran and 2006 Central High graduate, is launching Brooksville Under the Lights Flag Football in his hometown
- The 6-on-6 league serves boys and girls from pre-K through eighth grade, with high school divisions also available
- Games and practices run Saturdays at Central High from 5-8 PM, with the winter season starting February 7, 2026
- Harris will serve as commissioner and incorporate athletic training focused on injury prevention and coordination
- Both co-ed and all-girl divisions are offered through the Under Armour-backed national organization
NFL Experience Returns Home
DuJuan Harris built an NFL career against the odds. Undrafted out of Troy University, the running back appeared in 38 games across four teams from 2011 to 2016, rushing for 590 yards and two touchdowns. His breakthrough came with the Green Bay Packers in 2012, where he earned a starting role late in the season and appeared in both playoff games.
Now Harris is channeling that experience into youth development. Brooksville Under the Lights Flag Football launches this winter as part of a national Under Armour-backed organization offering 6-on-6 flag football leagues.
“I felt like I could teach them the game, teach them some of the ins and outs that I know and keep them safe at the same time,” Harris said. “Pretty much add another platform for kids to get some exposure.”
Program Structure and Registration
The league serves players from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, with Harris adding high school divisions to address what he sees as a local need. Co-ed and all-girl divisions are both available.
The winter season begins with an introductory day on February 7, 2026, followed by games starting February 14. All practices and games take place on Saturdays at Central High School between 5-8 PM. Registration remains open through February 1.
Harris will serve as league commissioner, contributing across operations as needed.
Training Integration Sets League Apart
Beyond standard flag football programming, Harris plans to incorporate athletic training into the league experience. A certified trainer himself, he intends to lead pregame exercises focused on injury prevention and physical development.
“I hope that when the kids leave, they feel overall stronger,” Harris said. “Their coordination, their skillset is a little higher. I want them to actually benefit from some physical gains from this as well.”
Harris was also a multi-event track and field state champion at Central High, giving him additional perspective on athletic development beyond football.
Building on Local Football Legacy
Harris joins a small but notable group of Hernando County athletes who reached the NFL. The list includes the late Jerome Brown, recently retired Nature Coast alum Matt Breida, and several Hernando High products including Ricky Feacher, George Floyd, and Allan Leavitt, along with Moton High’s Maulty Moore.
Harris sees potential to grow that pipeline by providing exposure opportunities and connecting local talent with his network of former teammates now working as coaches at various levels.
“We all can count on one hand or two hands how many people came out of here and we just need to raise that number,” Harris said.
Creating Pathways in a Growing Sport
Flag football continues to expand nationally, particularly for girls following its addition to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Harris cited that growth as part of his motivation for launching the league.
The program aims to serve multiple purposes: keeping high schoolers active during the offseason, building team chemistry, and providing a safer introduction to football fundamentals for younger athletes.
For registration and additional information, visit the league’s official page at uaflag.com.
via: Hernando Sun
image: Instagram
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