Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 1540 - 1539: Grand Blueprint

All along, Chinese players have been like pandas in the NFL. It’s precisely because of this that each footprint Li Wei creates in history holds such powerful energy.

However, this is still not enough. Relying only on Li Wei, the power is ultimately limited, lacking follow-through, and unable to fundamentally shift the market.

Only when football truly penetrates into Chinese and even Asian communities, establishing its grassroots foundation; only when more Asian players continually emerge on the NFL field, forming a momentum, can football truly open up the Asian market and unearth its potential.

The development of any competitive sport must go through such a process, and football is naturally no exception.

Li Wei got inspiration from Chi Youjun. He realized he should make an effort, and also realized he can truly bring about change.

The key point is, how should Li Wei go about it? How should he utilize his influence and appeal to make an impact?

Inspiration comes from JJ Watt.

Watt’s foundation has been helping North American continent’s middle school students explore their potential and cultivate teamwork spirit through extracurricular sports activities. Although it’s not geared towards professional arenas, it motivates the younger generation with long-term goals.

Li Wei believes he can learn from this.

Thus, a plan slowly takes shape. Though it took some time, the plan now has a blueprint.

Li Wei hopes to establish a training camp, not at the scale of a football school, but merely a training camp; starting with two training camp opportunities a year, it aims to expand step by step to four times a year, and see if a longer, more stable future can be achieved.

These training camps are for all students interested in football, covering everything from entry-level experience, basic training to professional training and special guidance.

But the true core value lies in "an opportunity"—

An opportunity to enter the NFL, an opportunity to receive face-to-face guidance from top professional players and coaches, an opportunity to fully engage with professional football.

The idea has undergone numerous adjustments.

Initially, Li Wei wanted the training camp to specifically target Asian students, aiming to open up the Asian market; simultaneously, Li Wei hoped to set the camp at the University of Alabama, where there are facilities and space, and they just need to establish a scholarship to cover travel expenses to bring in players from around the world.

But later, all these ideas were overturned.

Firstly, Li Wei shouldn’t limit himself to Asian young students only; he needs to open up to more young people, broadening the base for football.

For example, Europe. For example, Asia.

And North America, where some young people missed out on NCAA Division I universities for various reasons; Watt is one case, Li Wei is another, if not for a stroke of luck, they would have completely missed out on professional football.

Secondly, instead of inviting players to Alabama University through a scholarship selection system for training, it’s better to set the camp locally, allowing more young people to come and observe, even if just coming to watch and take interest is good.

Moreover, in this case, scholarships can be set up to allow them to attract more students locally.

Thirdly, the real goal was slightly adjusted. It’s not to get the outliers into the NFL, as the NFL draft mechanism and training system is already very thorough; every year, players from Europe, South America, and Oceania appear in camps outside the draft to use it as a stepping stone to enter the league.

Instead, it’s about broadening the grassroots base of football, truly cultivating people’s interest and hobbies. Even if they still aren’t interested in football after attending, it’s okay. At least, they can strengthen their health and broaden their horizons, and football will no longer be a completely unfamiliar term, which is an important step.

Li Wei’s vision is to use Europe, Asia, and North America as a first step, establishing systems, building credibility, setting standards, and then slowly expanding globally.

Asia is an important goal and a primary task; North America is the home base; and Europe is due to Li Wei’s strong sponsorship backing there.

After all, such a large plan cannot rely solely on Li Wei’s own strength. His visit to Berlin is all about securing sponsorship.

First target, Mercedes-Benz.

"...At the entry-level, beginners stage, flag football is now very mature, providing an opportunity to avoid collision and injuries while letting beginners enjoy the fun of football, most importantly, a kind of game."

Haas looked at Li Wei, "What is flag football?"

Li Wei was a little surprised, "Sorry, please forgive my rudeness." He assumed everyone knew, but evidently, football still has a way to go before entering mainstream views.

"The so-called flag football means tying a flag around the waist; when the opponent pulls off the flag, it’s equivalent to a tackle, sack, or successful defense, turning the physical body confrontation of football into a skill confrontation, reducing the chance of injury."

Haas’s eyes slightly brightened; this indeed showcases the charm of football while simultaneously lowering the physical requirements for people to participate in football confrontations.

A thought lingered in the mind briefly, and Haas maintained his calm professional demeanor, "But the main point shouldn’t be here, right?"

Li Wei laughed, "No, flag football is a very important part. If possible, we hope to regularly host flag football matches so that every ordinary person can participate in football activities, allowing them to feel the fun of football and also understand the rules of football."

"Actually, football rules aren’t that complicated."

Haas, "Are you sure?"

Li Wei, "In my opinion, it’s not as complicated as baseball."

Haas rarely chuckled, "What about ice hockey?"

Li Wei raised his hands in defeat.

Haas’s facial lines visibly softened.

Only then did Li Wei steer back the topic, "Flag football is key to building a grassroots foundation; it’s crucial. But I understand your point, the league has been actively promoting flag football, their resources and energy are unmatched by me."

Haas, "Their urgency also far surpasses yours."

Li Wei chuckled silently, "So in this aspect, I will cooperate with the league. After all, I’m working for the league, they can’t possibly not lend some help, can they?"

Haas’s eyes lit up, having to admire Li Wei’s shrewdness; this is a good move.

Li Wei continued, "The real appeal and uniqueness of the training camp lies in professional training. I will leverage my connections to invite top players from the league to provide guidance."

"Quarterbacks. Wide receivers. Cornerbacks. Safeties. All of them are not a problem."

"And I plan to invite top coaches to provide professional advice."

"Players have their perspectives, coaches also have theirs. It’s different, no matter whether these students can enter the league in the future to become professional players, but I hope this experience can leave something in their lives."

"The ultimate goal is for people to long to participate in the training camp, leaving unforgettable memories in their youth, even becoming a summer camp where parents send their children."