LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - A Lawrenceville School student has been named one of ten finalists for the 2026 NFL Flag Players of the Year Presented by Toyota, the National Football League announced recently.
Cruz Burton, of Lawrenceville, attends The Lawrenceville School and competes for Yorkville. According to the NFL, Burton is known for staying composed and rising to the occasion in high-pressure moments. Five girl finalists were also named.
Burton is one of five boys finalists selected from athletes nationwide, alongside Levi Huftalin of Mesa, Arizona; Quinn Miles of Overland Park, Kansas; Charlie Phillips of Nolensville, Tennessee; and James Rieger of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Each finalist was evaluated against the NFL's core values — respect, integrity, responsibility to team and resiliency — both on and off the field.
"The rapid growth of flag football is being fueled by athletes whose talent, leadership and passion continue to raise the profile of the game," said Brian Flinn, NFL Senior Vice President, Global Flag Football. "These Player of the Year finalists represent the very best of flag football, demonstrating the character, resilience and commitment that are inspiring more young people to get involved in the sport."
The finalists were recognized following the 2026 NFL Flag Championships Presented by Toyota, held July 23-26 at Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. The tournament brought together 3,500 athletes across more than 350 girls and boys teams, including NFL Flag regional champions representing all 32 NFL clubs and international teams from five continents, according to the announcement.
"Each of these ten finalists are deserving of this recognition and we take great pride in honoring them on the same stage as the NFL's best," said Dedra DeLilli, vice president of marketing communications at Toyota. "At Toyota, we're proud to celebrate these young athletes. Their leadership, dedication to the game, and commitment to their communities are shaping the future of NFL Flag and lighting the way for the next generation."
One boy and one girl will be named winners in January and recognized at NFL Honors, a primetime awards special airing on Netflix during the week of Super Bowl LXI.
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