Blake Griffin and Ryan Kalil Invest in Mexican Football Team Osos

MONTERREY, Mexico — Former NFL center Ryan Kalil and NBA All-Star Blake Griffin are making waves in the world of professional sports ownership after announcing their partnership to acquire a football team in Monterrey, Mexico, in January 2023. This venture, spotlighting the Osos de Monterrey, aims to connect their passion for sports and storytelling through a documentary that chronicles their journey.

The duo, both retired athletes, has long shared a love for the arts, with Kalil expressing his filmmaking aspirations since childhood. They founded Mortal Media in 2016, preparing to transition to full-time media executives as they embarked on this new chapter of ownership in the Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional (LFA).

“It’s been a really exciting opportunity to see how the city responds to pro football,” Kalil told ESPN. “I think there’s a huge opportunity for us to really build a fan base that is consistent and excited about us being involved, but also getting excited about the LFA.”

Joining their venture are several current and former NFL players, including Luke Kuechly, Greg Olsen, and Julius Peppers, enhancing the profile and potential impact of the Osos in Mexico’s burgeoning football scene. The LFA has over 46 million fans in Mexico, making it a strategic move for sports engagement, particularly in Monterrey, a city with a population of over five million.

Monterrey has historically been a football stronghold, famous for its college football program at Monterrey Tech. The enthusiasm for sports in the region creates a fertile ground for the Osos, who are set to have their inaugural season in May 2024. The team will also pursue a women’s flag football division, capitalizing on the country’s successful flag football programs.

Kalil emphasized the importance of the upcoming LFA draft in Mexico City, expressing eagerness to guide the Osos toward assembling a competitive roster. “These are journeymen who, for whatever reason, haven’t gotten their shot. They’re incredibly talented,” he noted, indicating the potential for player development and NFL opportunities.

Griffin, who previously played an NBA game in Mexico City, is eager to help foster a vibrant culture of football in the region. “For me, it’s about being additive in any way possible,” he said. His experience in sports engagement and performance provides a valuable perspective on reaching and connecting with the fanbase in Monterrey.

In a landscape where American sports ownership is expanding internationally, Kalil and Griffin see their project not just as a business opportunity but also as a chance to introduce pro football to a new audience. “I hope it could be the beginning of more and more people getting involved,” Griffin said. “And, you know, truly making it a little bit more international.”

As the Osos prepare for their upcoming season, the combined ambitions of former athletes and successful media executives reflect a growing trend of celebrity influence in sports ownership, promising an exciting new chapter for professional football in Mexico.