Diana Flores: A Trailblazer in Flag Football
Diana Flores, a distinguished quarterback in the realm of flag football, has made major strides in her sport, earning numerous titles and MVP awards. Her influence extends beyond the field, as she has been featured in Super Bowl commercials aimed at elevating the visibility of women’s flag football. Recently, she was specifically acknowledged by Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who recognized her talent and position as a fellow quarterback.
Championing the Sport
Flores, who leads the Mexico national team to notable victories—including consecutive gold medals at the World Games—has taken on a significant role in championing the sport, especially with flag football set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. The NCAA has also embraced this momentum, recently adding flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women initiative, with Nebraska being the first major program to introduce it as a varsity sport starting in the spring of 2028.
Advocacy and Education
At 28, Flores is not only a player but an advocate for the sport; she recently published a guide titled “Flag Football For Dummies.” In this book, she shares insights ranging from the fundamental rules of the game to her personal journey, which began as a child competing against much older athletes. Emphasizing the significance of leadership in a quarterback’s success, Flores expresses her passion for expanding awareness of flag football and its potential to create opportunities for young athletes.
“I just want to grow awareness of the sport for both boys and girls, demonstrating its life-changing impact and the doors it can open,” Flores stated in preparation for her coverage of the Super Bowl on TUDN.
Growing Popularity
Reflecting on the increasing interest in flag football, USA Football reported a significant rise, with 267,000 girls ages 6 to 17 participating in organized play in 2024—representing a remarkable 39% increase since 2020.
Acknowledgments and Achievements
Flores is lauded as one of the finest players in flag football, recently receiving the 2025 Game Changer Award from the Women’s Sports Foundation. Her commercial during the 2023 Super Bowl, named “Run with it,” achieved significant popularity, showcasing her navigating various urban terrains while being pursued by NFL stars, including Sauce Gardner and Jalen Ramsey, along with tennis icon Billie Jean King, who aided her in a dramatic block.
When asked how many times she has watched her commercial, Flores chuckled, “I lost track of the count. This experience has been incredible, marking a pivotal moment in giving flag football the exposure it deserves.”
Inspiration and Recognition
Her playing style is influenced by many great quarterbacks, drawing inspiration from names like Peyton Manning, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow. An encounter with Mahomes highlighted the growing recognition of women in the sport when he promptly identified her as a flag football quarterback mid-interview. Flores reflects,
“I didn’t expect that acknowledgment at all, it really opened my eyes to how much our sport is on the rise.”
