On Saturday, February 7th, 2026, the field in San Francisco was filled with the excitement from the Super Bowl week. Beyond the championship being played in Santa Clara, our flag football game had our community feeling enthusiastic about the future of our community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area (BBBSBA) teamed up with Gillette and 100 Black Men of the Bay Area to host an unforgettable community flag football game. With over 180 participants, NFL athletes, influencers, and community leaders in attendance, the day proved that while sports can bridge gaps, it’s mentorship that changes lives.
Star Power on the Gridiron
The air was filled with excitement as San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Mac Jones and Buffalo Bills Running Back Ray Davis stepped into the huddle. They stayed past the photo op; they were on the field coaching, running drills, throwing passes to our youth, and giving them pointers along the way!
The day even featured a surprise reunion when former New England Patriot Chase Winovich arrived to greet his former teammate Mac Jones, adding an extra layer of superstar energy to the sidelines. These athletes, along with other influencers, interacted with our youth and reminded them of a powerful truth: they belong on every field they step on.
The Power of the Huddle
While the drills and games kept the energy high, the mentorship workshop led by our partners at the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area facilitated growth and empowerment. We watched youth leave as teammates, sharing ideas and excitement for the future.
The 100 Black Men members provided a tangible example of what it means to be a leader and a mentor. They helped lead our drills, facilitated our football games, and showed our young people that the huddle is where real growth happens.
A Coalition for Change – California Men’s Service Challenge
This event showcased the collaboration across all fronts. We were honored to have representatives from Brand Innovators join us as well, seeing the “unifying power of sports” in action!
We were also joined by two members of the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor. Their presence underscored the importance of the California Men’s Service challenge, a statewide initiative to recruit men into service to their community. The Governor’s office recognizes what we see every day – there is a critical need for consistent, caring male mentors to support young men in our community.
Answering the Challenge: The Big Draft
While we celebrated touchdowns, star power, and collaboration, the day served as an important reminder of the work needed to be done. Many of the young men on the field Saturday are still waiting for a mentor of their own.
As our Big Draft continues, our goal is to draft a roster of 200 Big Brothers across Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties to match the youth on our waitlist.
You don’t have to be an NFL star to provide the connection a young person needs. You just need to be there for them!
Get on the Roster
To our partners at Gillette, the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, and our incredible volunteers: thank you for helping us ignite the potential of Bay Area youth!
To the men of the Bay Area: The ball is in your hands. Are you ready to step off the sidelines and into a young person’s life?
Join the Big Draft: Become a Mentor Today.
Already a mentor? Refer a Friend to be a Big.
Looking to use your voice to spread the word? Become an Ambassador.