Chris Cormier of Washington D.C.!

What does being a Hall of Famer mean to you?

I didn't play sports growing up so it is a humbling and surreal honor to be recognized for my contributions to the NGFFL and included with such talented athletes. Being a Hall of Famer also means I commit to being - and get to be - in the NGFFL family for years and hopefully decades to come.

What made you decide to “come out and play” in the NGFFL?

In the spring of 2005, I was living in NYC and read an article about this guy Cyd Zeigler starting a gay football league. I was curious about what a league of gay athletes might be like, and figured this might be a supportive space to try a team sport. The first game was around the corner from my apartment in Hell's Kitchen so I went out with my (straight) roommate, Rajeev. They needed one more guy to play on the Black/Eagle team so Rajeev left and I stayed. Thirteen years later, the NGFFL has been one of the best things that I've gotten to be a part of in my life.

What is your favorite NGFFL memory so far?

The Gay Bowl XVI Closing Party at the Howard Theatre after a successful tournament. Looking at the crowd and seeing a celebratory, accomplished, diverse family of athletes made the 18 months of work co-chairing Gay Bowl all worth it.  

How did the NGFFL make you feel included in the sports community?

I didn't play team sports growing up so the NGFFL created a space where I could not only try playing football, but also learn to be an out and proud athlete. The DC Gay Flag Football League's motto is "get off the bench, get in the game" and that sense of encouragement and inclusiveness has been critical to our success. If you're a novice or  D1 athlete, you belong.

Given the mission/vision of NGFFL: “To proudly foster community, camaraderie, and inclusivity by providing opportunities to engage in competition through flag football” – how do you plan to use your new moniker as Hall of Famer to embody this mission/vision?

I hope to serve as a resource for team leaders and league cities, especially those newly formed and those hoping to host Gay Bowl, to ensure that the NGFFL grows stronger with each year and tournament.

What has been the most encouraging NGFFL advancement since you came out to play?

The inclusion and fostering of women's teams and the creation of the women's tournament when Denver first hosted Gay Bowl. 

What is one manner in which you would like to see the NGFFL advance over the next few years?

I hope the NGFFL continues to expand the number of cities that send women's teams to Gay Bowl. 

Do you have any advice for new players?

Alon Hacohen gave me some of the best advice I ever got on the field.  Get out of your head.  If you drop a ball, go back and run the route again and catch the ball this time. You can do it. 

Do you still have any personal goals you wish to accomplish in the NGFFL?

Cheer on the DC Senators as they win their first Gay Bowl. 

Team Swift, Team Perry or Queen Bey – and why?

Queen Bey. She too smart to crave material things.