Downy Rinse Fights Impossible Football Odors and Deepens Its Commitment to Youth Sports Through New Partnership with NFL FLAG

Downy Rinse Becomes The Official Laundry Partner of NFL FLAG, Reaching 765,000 Youth Athletes Across 2,000 Leagues Nationwide

CINCINNATI, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Downy Rinse, the odor-fighting fabric rinse from Procter & Gamble, today announced a new partnership with NFL FLAG, the NFL's official youth flag football league for ages 5-17 which is operated by RCX Sports. Downy is stepping into the game with a commitment to rinse out stubborn uniform odors and residues in just one wash - taking the stress out of laundry so that parents can enjoy the moments that matter most. The partnership will kick off at the NFL FLAG Championships on July 17, 2025, and extend across NFL FLAG league play and Regional Tournaments all year long.

Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, played by over 20 million people across 100 countries. The sport will be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games which is a historic moment for the flag football community, and the League, along with the 32 NFL Clubs, are investing in the development and growth of flag football as a global game.

Recognizing that passion for sports can lead to some serious odors, Downy Rinse has joined forces with NFL FLAG to ensure that the next generation of football stars and their families can focus on the game, not their sweaty gear. The unique Downy Rinse formula penetrates deep into fabrics to help remove tough, set-in odors that detergent can't reach. It is safe on all washable fabrics including workout clothes and athleisure, and leaves clothing fresher, softer, and brighter versus detergent alone.

"We are thrilled to partner with NFL FLAG to help football families solve one of the top laundry issues: malodor," said Redge Abueva, Vice President of NA Fabric Enhancers at Procter & Gamble. "This partnership goes beyond just fresh jerseys; it's about empowering young athletes with the confidence to perform their best, and supporting the families behind them with a product that is going to be a game changer in their everyday laundry routine. We recognize that parents are on cleaning duty for junior athletes, battling their not-so-fresh uniforms as the undisputed laundry experts in their households. Downy Rinse exists to lighten their load. No more rewashing, soaking, and pre-treating - we're proud to deliver a product that keeps its promise."

"We're delighted Downy is partnering with NFL FLAG this season, showcasing the brand's ongoing investment in the sport," said Vice President of Flag Football at the NFL Stephanie Kwok. "As a league, we are committed to growing flag football at all levels across the world ahead of the sport's inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games. This exciting partnership furthers our efforts, and promises an unforgettable celebration of our flag athletes everywhere."

Through this new partnership, Downy Rinse will be integrated into the full NFL FLAG ecosystem with a strong presence across events, digital, social media, and experiences nationwide. This includes a care tag in the jerseys themselves, widespread distribution of Downy Rinse samples, as well as family-friendly experiences at the NFL FLAG Championships and marquee Regional Tournaments.

"Downy Rinse's commitment to supporting athletes and their families both on and off the field makes them a strong and authentic addition to the NFL FLAG community," said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports. "Together, we'll continue to grow and celebrate the game across regional and national tournaments while connecting with millions of families through the power of this sport. From helping kids perform their best on the field to helping parents keep their gear fresh at home, Downy Rinse is a win for everyone."

The partnership builds on Downy Rinse's broader NFL campaign, championing athletes of all ages and their families by providing fresh, stress-free laundry solutions for active lifestyles.

Downy Rinse is available at retailers nationwide. Try for as low as $5. Visit www.Downy.com for more information.

About RCX Sports
RCX Sports is the leader in youth sports experiences, operating and partnering with leagues, events, and brands to engage and empower the next generation of athletes. As the official youth sports operator for the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, and USTA, RCX is the only multi-sport organization trusted by pro leagues and governing bodies to represent them. RCX Sports delivers officially licensed uniforms, comprehensive resources, and full support, empowering league operators to create the best youth sports experiences in their communities. Committed to making youth sports accessible and inclusive, RCX Sports creates opportunities for all athletes to play and benefit from the transformative power of sports. For more information, visit rcxsports.com.

About P&G
P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit https://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit us at https://www.pg.com/news.

About NFL FLAG
NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 2,000 locally operated leagues and over 765,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG.

SOURCE RCX Sports