Diana Flores, a decorated world champion and Most Valuable Player in flag football, has emerged as a central figure in the sport's dramatic global ascent. Her influence has reached such heights that she recently received spontaneous recognition from Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes, a moment that powerfully symbolises how far women's flag football has progressed. This recognition comes as the sport prepares for its historic Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
A Driving Force for Global Expansion
As the quarterback for Mexico's reigning world championship team, Flores is a pivotal ambassador driving flag football's expansion. The sport is gaining remarkable momentum within educational institutions, notably with the NCAA incorporating it into its Emerging Sports for Women programme. In a significant development, the University of Nebraska has become the first major power conference school to establish a varsity women's flag football team, scheduled to begin competition in the spring of 2028.
Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring the Next Generation
The 28-year-old athlete has also authored "Flag Football For Dummies," a comprehensive guide that details everything from the game's fundamental rules to her personal journey, which started at just eight years old playing against older competitors. The publication explores the essential qualities of an elite player, with Flores emphasising that "leadership is the backbone of a successful quarterback."
She expressed her core motivation behind the project, stating: "I just want to grow awareness of the sport, the importance of the sport for boys and girls, and how it can change lives, help open those doors and opportunities." Reflecting on the writing process, she added that the book "challenged me in ways I’ve never experienced before. It's just a huge opportunity for me to pour all the love and passion I have for the game to others."
Quantifiable Growth and Elite Accolades
The sport's explosive growth is clearly evidenced by participation statistics. According to USA Football, approximately 267,000 girls aged 6 to 17 took part in organised flag football across the United States in 2024. This figure represents a substantial 39 per cent increase since 2020. Flores stands as one of the most accomplished figures in the sport, having led Team Mexico to consecutive World Games gold medals and securing the MVP title in 2022. Her contributions were further honoured with the prestigious 2025 Game Changer Award from the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Super Bowl Spotlight and Celebrity Endorsements
Her impactful 2023 Super Bowl commercial, titled "Run with it," significantly amplified flag football's visibility on a global stage. The advertisement featured Flores, in full uniform, skilfully evading reporter Erin Andrews' attempts to grab her flags, sparking an energetic chase through various urban settings. The spot included cameo appearances from NFL stars like Sauce Gardner, Jalen Ramsey, and Davante Adams, alongside tennis legend Billie Jean King, all in pursuit of Flores. It culminated with USA Football quarterback Vanita Krouch running alongside her, symbolising the sport's collective momentum and unity.
Recalling the commercial, Flores said with a laugh: "I don’t even have the count. That’s been one of the most amazing moments of my life. It was the first time flag football was showcased on a big platform like that." Her memorable encounter with Patrick Mahomes, where he recognised her before she could complete her introduction, further cemented the sport's rising prominence. "I didn't expect that to happen," she recounted, highlighting the unexpected and far-reaching impact her sport is now achieving.
