Imagine having to start your life in an entirely different country after spending 12 years in one place. The feeling of saying goodbye to your home forever. Scary, isn’t it? The Kansas City Chiefs defensive end, George Karlaftis, went through something similar just months before he turned 13. The fast, powerful, and confident athlete you now know as a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, was once just a kid dealing with the tough loss of a parent.

What is George Karlaftis’ Ethnicity?

George Karlaftis is a Greek and American mix. Born in Athens, Greece, to Matt and Amy Karlaftis, his dad was Greek and an athlete—javelin and track, to be exact. His mom, Amy, is American and used to ball out in high school, playing basketball and softball. Growing up in Greece, George was all about that Greek vibe, but his mom made sure he and his siblings were fluent in English too.

The Karlaftis family was all about that mix of cultures. Matt and Amy met at Purdue in 1994 while Matt was getting his doctorate. After a bit, Amy went to Greece, they got hitched and started a family with four kids: George, Yanni, Niko, and Annie. George’s childhood was entirely Greek, but his mom made sure they knew their American roots. He lived in Greece for the first 12 years of his life before moving to Indiana after his dad passed. But he’s always stayed connected to his Greek side, from the language to the culture—and of course, Greek food.

What is George Karlaftis’ nationality?

George may have been born and raised in Greece, but he’s all-American now. After his dad tragically passed away from a heart attack. His mom moved the family to Indiana to be closer to her side. Big change for George, but it worked out. He ended up crushing it in high school and became a football prospect.

Even though he’s repping the U.S., George has never forgotten where he came from. He’s said how much he misses Greece, especially the summers. During the 2024 Super Bowl, he put the Greek flag on his helmet to flex his roots. Plus, with his dominance on the field, he’s earned the nickname “the Greek Freak,” showing love for both his ballin’ skills and his heritage.