Men's Lifestyle November 6, 2025 0 Comments

How Diana Flores is Breaking Barriers and Redefining Female Power in Flag Football—The Game-Changer You Don’t Want to Miss!

Ever wonder what it takes to break barriers and rewrite the rules in a sport that’s been traditionally dominated by men? Meet Diana Flores—one of Mexico’s most electrifying athletes and a global trailblazer in flag football. More than just a World Champion and the NFL’s Global Ambassador for Flag Football, Diana is the living proof that grit, passion, and a fierce spirit can propel not just an individual, but an entire community, into the spotlight. From starring in the NFL’s first-ever Flag Football commercial during Super Bowl LVII to leading her team to gold at the World Games, she’s not just playing the game—she’s changing it. And with flag football now heading to the 2028 Olympics, thanks in part to breakthroughs she’s helped ignite, the future looks brighter than ever for women and LatinX athletes in sports worldwide. Ready to be inspired by a story that’s as powerful as it is game-changing? Dive in and discover how Diana Flores is setting the pace for a whole new generation. LEARN MORE

One of Mexico’s most recognizable athletes, and one of the most recognizable figures in flag football globally, Diana Flores is paving the way for women and LatinX athletes in sports.

Flores is a Flag Football World Champion and the NFL’s Global Ambassador for Flag Football, who starred as the lead in the NFL’s first-ever Flag Football Commercial during Super Bowl LVII. Flag football’s having a historic boom given major headlines lately, with the NFL’s decision to allow NFL players to play flag in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Flores is spearheading the sport’s global growth, especially for women, in a space historically dominated by men. She’s been featured in Vogue Mexico, and recently spoke to Cosmopolitan Mexico for her historic flag football camp she hosted with Under Armour last month.

She’s a phenom on the field—leading Mexico to a Gold Medal and MVP title at the last World Games.

Now, with a book on the horizon, Flores uses her platform to inspire young athletes—especially women and LatinX competitors—to pursue their dreams at the highest level

SWAGGER: You’ve become the global face of flag football, in very many regards. How has this journey personally reshaped the way you view your role in the sport?

This journey has completely transformed how I see my purpose. At first, it was all about competing—about being the best quarterback I could be, and representing Mexico with pride. But over time, I realized it’s so much bigger than me. Every opportunity, from the World Games to the Super Bowl, has shown me the power of visibility. When young girls see someone who looks like them leading on that stage, they start to believe it’s possible for them too. My role now is about opening doors, building bridges, and leaving the sport stronger for the next generation.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 22: Diana Flores (L) accepts the Re-Writing the Game Award from Gabby Thomas (R) onstage during the 2025 Women’s Sports Foundation’s Annual Salute To Women In Sports awards gala celebrating the most accomplished women in sports and the girls they inspire at Cipriani Wall Street on October 22, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Stephanie Augello/Getty Images)

SWAGGER: Flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a historic moment. What does this milestone mean to you—and what do you hope it signals for the future of the sport worldwide?

It’s a dream realized—not just for me, but for every player who has believed in this sport for years. Flag football being part of the Olympics is validation that our game belongs on the world’s biggest stage. I hope it signals a new era where young boys and girls everywhere can aspire to become Olympians through flag, where nations invest in programs, and where our community continues to grow across every continent. It’s proof that passion, perseverance, and unity can truly make history.

SWAGGER: You’ve often spoken about hearing “no” early in your career because of your gender or appearance. How do you channel those early rejections into motivation and empowerment today?

Those “no’s” shaped me. They taught me resilience and gave me a deeper understanding of what I’m fighting for. Today, I use those memories as fuel—not to prove anyone wrong, but to show others what’s possible when you believe in yourself, even when the world doubts you. Every time I step on the field or speak to young athletes, I want them to know that their worth is not defined by someone else’s limitations.

SWAGGER – As the NFL’s Global Ambassador for Flag Football, you’re bridging worlds between elite athletes, young players, and fans. What has been your most memorable moment in that ambassador role so far?

There have been so many, but one that stands out was seeing kids from around the world come together at the NFL Flag Championships—speaking different languages, yet united by the same love for the game. Watching their faces light up reminded me that sport is a universal language. It connects us beyond borders and backgrounds. That moment captured exactly what being an ambassador means to me: helping people see that this game belongs to everyone.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 22: Diana Flores poses with the Re-Writing the Game Award backstage during the 2025 Women’s Sports Foundation’s Annual Salute To Women In Sports at Cipriani Wall Street on October 22, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

SWAGGER: Your upcoming book Flag Football for Dummies is highly anticipated. What do you hope readers will take away from your story?

I’m thrilled to share that I’m partnering with the publisher of the iconic For Dummies series to release Flag Football for Dummies on January 20, 2026! It’s such an incredible time for flag football—the game is uniting communities, creating opportunities, and now heading to the Olympic stage. I’ve dedicated my life to growing this sport, and this book is an extension of that mission. My goal was to make the game easy to understand and exciting to learn—to give every player, coach, and fan the tools to fall in love with flag football the way I did.

SWAGGER: Being one of Mexico’s most visible athletes, how do you view your role in representing both your culture and women’s empowerment on a global stage?

It’s a deep honor and a great responsibility. Everything I do carries my country and my culture with it. I want to show the world the strength, heart, and creativity that comes from Mexico and from Latin America as a whole. As women, we are rewriting the narrative of what leadership and excellence look like in sports. My mission is to represent that proudly and to keep creating pathways for others to shine.

SWAGGER: How does it feel to have just received the 2025 “Re-Write the Game Award” from Billie Jean King’s Women’s Sports Foundation for changing the game on the field and beyone this year?

It feels amazing. Billie Jean King has always been such a mentor to me, and receiving this award from the Women’s Sports Foundation was deeply humbling. It represents not just my own journey, but the dreams, sacrifices, and courage of every woman who has dared to change the game. This moment is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reminder to keep pushing for a future where equality and opportunity in sport are the norm, not the exception.

SWAGGER: You recently led a camp with Under Armour and have been featured in Vogue México and Cosmopolitan México. How do you balance the athletic and ambassadorial sides of your career?

Both sides fuel each other. The athlete in me brings authenticity and discipline to everything I do off the field, and my ambassador roles help me connect the sport to new audiences and inspire others. I remind myself to stay grounded in my purpose—to grow the game and empower others through it. Whether I’m in cleats or on a stage, it all comes back to that same goal.

SWAGGER: How do you train—physically and mentally—to stay at the top of your game?

Physically, I focus on speed, agility, and precision—the core of flag football. But just as important is mental training: visualization, mindfulness, and preparation. Before every competition or appearance, I take time to center myself and remember why I play. I often think back to Billie Jean King’s words: “Pressure is a privilege.” That mindset keeps me sharp, balanced, and grateful for every challenge.

SWAGGER: You’ve spoken about creating space for the next generation of girls in sports. What real progress—and challenges—do you see in that movement right now?

We’ve made huge strides—there are more girls than ever picking up flags, joining teams, and dreaming big. The visibility of women’s sports is growing, and that’s powerful. But there’s still work to do in terms of investment, representation, and respect. The challenge now is to make sure this growth is sustainable—that girls not only have opportunities to play, but to lead, coach, and be celebrated as athletes in every sense.