The Deal Football League (DFL) has quickly cemented itself as the preeminent flag football league in the community, drawing top athletes from Deal, Lakewood, and Brooklyn to participate each Sunday from September through December. Now in its fifth season, the DFL continues to grow and thrive, capturing the hearts of players and fans alike as we head into the heart of the 2024 season.
It’s almost hard to believe that this season was at risk of not happening at all. After four successful years of being run by The DSN, the league was at a crossroads. Interest levels had always been high, but the day-to-day management became increasingly difficult for the original leadership team to handle. Recognizing the strain, the league’s organizers made the pivotal decision to bring in a fresh face with extensive experience in managing sports leagues.
Enter Sam J. Sutton. After weeks of due diligence, Sam was appointed as the new commissioner, and under his leadership, the league has seen a rejuvenation. Registration numbers soared, and Sutton implemented an entirely new approach to league media through his company, Sam I Am Productions. With fresh energy and a clear direction, the DFL was back in full swing, ready for another thrilling season.
Season Kicks Off
The season kicked off with a live draft at the West Deal Shul Community Center, creating excitement and anticipation throughout the community. Now, three weeks into the season, the standings are beginning to take shape, and the competition is heating up.
DFL’s Media Presence and Player Engagement
A key feature of the DFL this season is its enhanced media presence, led by Sam I Am Productions. The league’s YouTube channel and Instagram page are buzzing with content, from game highlights to player interviews, keeping the community engaged and invested. The league’s group chat is another aspect that keeps players connected and invested in every aspect of the league, giving them a platform to share their thoughts and engage in spirited discussions.
The Stars Shine Bright
The players are what truly make the DFL special. With highly competitive games each week, standout performances, and big moments, the league continues to raise its profile. Every game features shining stars, and the “Player of the Week” and “Play of the Week” awards, along with the “Turning Point of the Game,” keep the spotlight on the league’s top performers.
- Player of the Week: Sponsored by TROHPIC.com
- Play of the Week: Sponsored by Saka Dental Spa
- Turning Point of the Game: Sponsored by JBNS Construction
In next month’s issue, we’ll dive deeper into the playoff picture and see which teams are positioning themselves for a deep run into the postseason.
For those wanting to stay updated on all things DFL, head to the league’s YouTube channel and Instagram page for all the latest highlights, interviews, and more.
The 2024 DFL season features eight teams, each led by a respected captain and sponsored by community businesses:
- Ravens – led by Zack Kassin
- Dolphins – led by Alfonse Missry
- Texans – led by Yoni Panigel
- Steelers – led by Victor Cohen
- Colts – led by Ralph Hanan
- Cowboys – led by Allen Mustacchi
- 49ers – led by Mo Dowek
- Eagles – led by Michael Panetz