08 March 2023 , 12:59
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Super Bowl LVII saw Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts steal the show, but it was another star who captured the imagination of fans around the world - only this quarterback did so at half time.
Just moments after Rihanna ’s half time show in Phoenix, the NFL aired its annual advertisement - titled ‘Run with it’ - and it was a wonderful showcase of the future of American football and its format. Flag football is a popular, inclusive and accessible format of the game for those that love to play the game but want to avoid the physical issues that come with getting thumped around a pitch for 60 minutes.
Diana Flores, the quarterback of the dominant Mexico National Flag Football team, is the perfect trailblazing star of the NFL’s flagship advert. The cost of a 30-second commercial during Super Bowl LVII was mooted to be $7million (£5.8m) - but Flores ensured it was worth every penny.
The epic video started with Fox Sports presenter Erin Andrew interviewing Flores before she tries to snatch the flags from the 25-year-old’s waist, setting up an incredible saga with cameos from the likes of Sauce Gardner, Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey, Aidan Hutchinson, Davante Adams, Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and even tennis icon Billie Jean King. Flores expertly highlighted the potential for women involved in American football and hopes the powerful message inspired people around the world.
“It was an amazing experience to have the opportunity to show the world on a platform as great as the Super Bowl how this power of sports unites us,” Flores exclusively told Mirror Sport. “I feel honoured to have the opportunity to represent women for also represent our discipline, hard work, and passion for what we do.
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“The most important thing about the commercial is the message behind it: women empowerment, breaking barriers, loving what we do, and spreading love to unify people. We have more in common no matter where you’re from or who you are. The messages are very meaningful to me. I'm so happy to see what we have done, but I'm excited to see how it is going to be [in the future].
“When I was little, I never dreamed about this. I never thought this could be possible. I feel that this is the start of something bigger for girls and women. This is going to open a lot of opportunities and new paths for them to achieve their dreams.”
Billie Jean King opened a door to clear the way for Diana Flores in the advert to serve a powerful message (NFL)Her favourite part of the commercial though? Billie Jean King.
“I will hold forever the experience of getting to know Billie Jean King and to be able to share this message with her of opening doors for women,” Flores excitedly said. “My favourite scene in the commercial was when Billie Jean King opened the car door and cleared the path for me to run forward. It’s a powerful message. Just as she opened the door for me, I really want to keep opening doors for women and leaving them open for girls of the future. This can be a real game-changer for women.”
Flores grew up in Cuidad de Mexico and began playing flag football at the age of eight where she often found herself facing 16 and 17 year olds, allowing Flores to rapidly hone her craft. Her parents have been on this incredible journey along with her, with her dad introducing her to the world of sports at a young age - and Flores hasn’t looked back.
She has been part of Mexico's national women's flag team setup since the age of 16, and she was the fourth-youngest quarterback at the 2022 World Games as she led her country to glory in Alabama, defeating the United States in the final. Flores completed 20 of 28 passes for 210 yards and four touchdowns as Mexico won gold with a 39-6 win.
“Flag football is an amazing sport,” Flores added, clearly impassioned by the inclusivity of the sport. “I fell in love with it. It gives men and women equal opportunities to develop on the field. It is empowering for women.
To close the epic advert, Diana Flores is joined by US Flag quarterback Vanita Krouch and the first female tackle football player with an NIL deal, Bella Rasmussen (NFL)“No matter where you're from, no matter where you are, the only thing that matters is what you bring to the table in terms of your commitment and love and passion for what you do. All women are powerful, smart and capable - and you are not alone in this journey.”
Flag football is reportedly in contention to be included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and it is easy to see why. The sport engages people of all ages, genders, and abilities with Flores quick to point out approximately 20 million people across 100 countries around the world play the sport.
Flores is the face of the joint campaign by the NFL and the International Federation of American Football to introduce flag football to the 2028 Los Angeles Games - and she is ready to live her Olympic dream.
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“I would say the Olympics are a dream for every athlete, no matter the discipline,” Flores said with her excitement palpable. “I’m really looking forward to the decision on flag football by the IOC this year. We grow up watching the Games, dreaming of representing your country at the highest level and winning a medal at the Olympics. It would be incredible.”
Check out Diana Flores in the NFL's Super Bowl commercial 'Run with it' here