Is the NFL creating a professional flag league because youth/high school tackle football participation is declining?

A few days ago, the NFL officially confirmed that they’re creating a professional flag football league for men and women. The NFL has said it wants to create a professional flag football league because of the growing popularity of flag football at the youth level, especially among girls, to build a competitive pathway for athletes as the sport gains global momentum and prepares for its debut at the 2028 Olympics. I think they’re doing this for more than the reason they gave. Youth/high school tackle football participation has been declining because of concussion and injury concerns, and many parents, including former NFL players, won’t let their kids play tackle even when they reach the recommended age. I don’t think popularity alone is the real reason. I would have expected a league like the American Flag Football League (AFFL) to create a professional flag football league. Still, the NFL has the resources and audience to dominate the space. I think the NFL wants a backup option for the future, in case they start experiencing a player shortage, because fewer teens playing football in high school means fewer will play in college and fewer will go on to the NFL. Also in the future if high schools aren't able to find enough players they might start canceling the season if they cannot combine teams with a local high school or stop offering it because no one wants to play.