About American Football IQ
Building Smarter Players, Coaches, and Fans — One Flashcard at a Time
At American Football IQ, we believe that understanding the game is the ultimate competitive advantage. Founded by lifelong coaches Doug Brady and Gabe Pico, American Football IQ was built to help players, coaches, and fans master the mental side of football — through a hands-on learning tool that simplifies complex coverages, concepts, and terminology.
Our American Football IQ Flashcards are designed to bridge the gap between physical talent and football intelligence. Whether you’re a high school quarterback, a youth coach, or a dedicated parent trying to help your player succeed, our mission is to help you see the game differently — and think like a coach.
The Birth of American Football IQ
The idea for American Football IQ was born out of frustration — and passion. As a former college quarterback and experienced coach, Doug Brady spent years working with players at every level of the game. He saw firsthand that many athletes had the physical tools to excel, but struggled with understanding the why behind every play. Reading defenses, understanding coverage, and anticipating movement were often missing pieces. Doug knew that football IQ could be taught, but there was no simple, effective tool to help players learn visually and practically.
Meanwhile, Gabe Pico, a lifelong football coach and founder of Victory Sports Association and Outcast Football, was on a similar mission. He had spent over 15 years helping young athletes in Phoenix, Arizona grow both on and off the field. When coaching his own son — a quarterback — Gabe realized there wasn’t a resource that helped players process the game quickly and make smarter decisions on the field.
Their paths converged with a shared vision: to create a product that could make football education accessible to everyone — not just elite programs or college teams. Together, they created American Football IQ Flashcards — a tool designed by coaches, for coaches, players, and families who want to “Play Fast” and think like pros.
What Are American Football IQ Flashcards?
The American Football IQ Flashcards are more than just cards — they’re a system for mental reps. Each set includes 50+ essential football terms and defensive coverages, breaking down the game into clear, visual learning chunks. They’re designed to help players learn the language of football — so that when they step on the field, they’re not reacting, they’re predicting.
From recognizing Cover 2 vs. Cover 3 to understanding pre-snap reads, every flashcard helps players internalize how the game unfolds. The result? Smarter decisions, faster play, and greater confidence under pressure.
But these aren’t just for players. Coaches use them as teaching aids. Parents use them to support their kids’ growth. Fans use them to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the game.
Our flashcards are intentionally designed to be tactile, visual, and interactive, because real football intelligence isn’t learned from a screen — it’s learned through repetition, discussion, and mastery.
Why Football IQ Matters
Football is more mental than most realize. At every level — from youth football to the NFL — the players who process the game the fastest often perform the best. Understanding coverages, terminology, and defensive structures separates the average from the elite.
That’s where American Football IQ Flashcards make the difference. They’re built to train the brain the same way drills train the body. By reinforcing key concepts repeatedly, players begin to recognize patterns instinctively, helping them anticipate plays rather than react to them.
Hundreds of players, parents, and coaches have already used American Football IQ Flashcards during our pre-release phase — and the feedback has been extraordinary. Players are saying they feel more confident, more prepared, and more in control. Coaches are reporting better communication in huddles and faster in-game adjustments. Families are seeing their kids not just play football, but understand it.
This is how real growth happens — by mastering the mental game.
Helping Thousands Grow the Game Smarter
Since its debut, American Football IQ has reached hundreds of athletes and coaches nationwide, and we’re just getting started. What began as a local resource for a few teams has grown into a movement that’s reshaping how football education is taught across the country.
Every week, we receive stories from high school coaches integrating the flashcards into their film sessions, youth programs using them to teach coverage recognition, and parents using them to connect with their kids through football. From Friday night lights to Sunday watch parties, American Football IQ has become a bridge — helping everyone speak the same language of the game.
And as we continue to grow, our vision remains the same: to make football education accessible, affordable, and impactful for everyone who loves the sport.
The Coaches Behind the Movement
Doug Brady
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Doug Brady has lived and breathed football his entire life. From earning All-League Honors as a high school quarterback to coaching at nearly every level of college football, Doug’s journey has been fueled by one mission — to help players think beyond physical skill and develop elite football IQ.
His diverse experience includes roles as an Offensive Coordinator (OC), Quarterback Coach, Recruiting Coordinator, Admissions Counselor, and Football Operations Director. Doug’s approach combines academic-level teaching with real-world experience, giving players a mental edge that translates directly to game-day performance.
Through American Football IQ, Doug helps athletes break down the game strategically — empowering them to make smarter reads, anticipate coverage shifts, and communicate like leaders on the field.
Gabe Pico
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Gabe Pico is a lifelong coach and passionate educator with over 15 years of experience helping youth athletes reach their potential. As the founder of Victory Sports Association and Outcast Football, Gabe’s mission has always been about opportunity — giving young players the tools to grow both as athletes and individuals.
When he couldn’t find a resource to help his son process the game faster, he built one. His heart for mentorship and player development is at the core of American Football IQ. Today, Gabe continues to work directly with athletes across the U.S. and abroad, using the flashcards as part of his training curriculum.
His philosophy is simple: when players understand the why, they perform with confidence.
Our Mission: Think Like a Coach, Play Like a Pro
At American Football IQ, our goal is simple: to help athletes at every level build smarter habits, make better decisions, and deepen their love for the game. The American Football IQ Flashcards are just the beginning — a foundational tool designed to unlock the mental side of football in a way that’s practical, fun, and effective.
We’re building a community of thinkers — not just players. Whether you’re a coach trying to teach your team faster processing, a parent wanting to support your player, or a fan eager to understand what you’re watching on Sundays, American Football IQ is your competitive edge.
This isn’t just about memorization — it’s about mastery. It’s about learning to see what others miss. It’s about building a smarter game, one flashcard at a time.
Join the Movement
If you’re ready to take your understanding of football to the next level, join the growing community of players, coaches, and families who trust American Football IQ to sharpen their minds and transform their game.
Visit americanfootballiq.com to explore Volume 1: Terms & Coverages and start building your foundation today.
