“You’re like my idol,” gushed Mona Stevens, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she faced NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes. The German flag football quarterback’s words echoed the sentiments of millions, but her story adds a unique twist to the tale of Mahomes’ global influence.

In a heartwarming exchange captured during a Chiefs game in Frankfurt, Stevens and Mahomes swapped jerseys, bridging the gap between American football’s pinnacle and the burgeoning world of international flag football. “I’m like running around doing the quarterback things like you do,” Stevens confessed to Mahomes, who responded with a grin, “It’s the only way to do it.”

This moment, more than just a fan meeting her hero, symbolizes the far-reaching impact of Mahomes’ talent and charisma. Stevens, born on May 25, 1992, began her football journey with the Saarland LadyCanes in 2016. Her skills quickly propelled her to become a key player for the German national flag football team by 2021, participating in the World Championships in Israel.

Mahomes’ influence extends beyond his jaw-dropping plays on the field. His interest in the growth of flag football, particularly its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, showcases his commitment to the sport’s global expansion. “I think it’s really cool because football is a great game that has given me so much and I want to make sure everyone gets the same experience that I got growing up,” Mahomes shared at a news conference in Frankfurt.

The Chiefs quarterback’s enthusiasm for flag football’s Olympic debut isn’t just talk. Mahomes expressed a genuine desire to participate, saying in November 2023, “I’m going to try to get out there and throw the football around maybe in LA.” This sentiment, coming from one of the NFL’s brightest stars, sends a powerful message about the sport’s potential on the international stage.

NFL’s role in promoting Flag Football

The inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics marks a watershed moment for the sport and the NFL’s global ambitions. With the field set at 70 yards long and 30 yards wide, and teams consisting of just five players, the game promises fast-paced action that could captivate a worldwide audience.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recognizes the golden opportunity this presents. “I think the opportunity to play in the Olympics, to represent your country, to go for that gold medal, I think that’s something that’s really intriguing to a lot of the guys,” Goodell noted in the video posted by Sunday Night Football on NBC, highlighting the appeal for NFL players to participate.

The excitement isn’t limited to Mahomes. Other NFL stars like Tyreek Hill and Rob Gronkowski have voiced their interest in Olympic flag football. Hill took to social media, rallying the league’s best players to represent their countries, while Gronkowski humorously stated, “Hopefully, there’s no tryouts and they just accept me.”

As the 2028 Los Angeles Games approach, the NFL’s involvement in promoting flag football could reshape the sport’s landscape. With global ambassadors like Mona Stevens and the potential participation of NFL superstars, flag football is poised to capture the hearts of sports fans worldwide, proving that Mahomes’ influence extends far beyond the confines of American football stadiums.