Diana Flores: The Face of Flag Football's Olympic Ascent
Quarterback Diana Flores has emerged as a leading ambassador for women's flag football, a sport rapidly gaining momentum ahead of its highly anticipated debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. With multiple world titles and MVP awards to her name, Flores is leveraging her platform to elevate the profile of flag football, a non-contact variant of American football that is capturing hearts globally.
Building Momentum for Olympic Inclusion
Flores, the signal caller for the reigning world champion Mexico squad, is dedicating her efforts to fostering the sport's growth. This push comes at a pivotal time, as flag football's inclusion in the Olympics marks a significant milestone. The sport's appeal is broadening, evidenced by the NCAA recently adding it to its Emerging Sports for Women program. In a landmark move, Nebraska has become the first power conference school to introduce flag football as a varsity women's sport, with competitions scheduled to commence in the spring of 2028.
An Open Book on the Game
At 28 years old, Flores is an open book on flag football, quite literally. She has authored Flag Football For Dummies, a comprehensive guide that delves into the rules, her personal journey starting at age eight against older players, and the qualities needed for elite performance. In the book, she emphasises that leadership is the backbone of a successful quarterback, reflecting her own on-field philosophy.
In an interview, Flores expressed her passion for spreading awareness. 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, she said. She is preparing to cover the Super Bowl on February 8 for TUDN, a Spanish-language sports network, further showcasing her multifaceted role in sports media.
Statistical Growth and Recognition
The numbers underscore flag football's expansion, particularly among youth. According to USA Football, there were 267,000 girls aged 6 to 17 in the U.S. participating in organised flag football in 2024, representing a 39% increase since 2020. This surge is partly driven by NFL backing, which has helped integrate the sport into mainstream athletics.
Flores's accolades highlight her impact. She has guided Team Mexico to consecutive World Games gold medals and earned the MVP title in 2022. Recently, she was honoured with the 2025 Game Changer Award by the Women's Sports Foundation, recognising her contributions to advancing women's sports.
Super Bowl Spotlight and Celebrity Endorsements
Flores's influence reached a peak with her appearance in a popular Super Bowl commercial in 2023, titled Run with it. The ad featured her evading attempts to grab her flags, with a chase scene involving NFL stars like Sauce Gardner and Davante Adams, and a cameo from tennis legend Billie Jean King. Flores recalls this as a transformative moment. 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, she remarked.
Her quarterback style is inspired by a diverse range of players, from Peyton Manning to Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes. A memorable encounter with Mahomes highlighted the sport's soaring popularity. I was doing an interview with him and introducing myself, and before I even finished my sentence he was like, 'Oh, yeah, Diana, you play flag football and you're a quarterback, too', Flores recounted, noting her surprise at the recognition from such a high-profile athlete.
Looking Ahead to 2028
As flag football continues to gain traction, Flores remains at the forefront, advocating for its potential to inspire and empower. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, her efforts are poised to catalyse further growth, making the sport more accessible and celebrated worldwide. Her journey from a young player to an Olympic ambassador exemplifies the dynamic evolution of women's flag football.
