Statement by Ambassador Ken Salazar
Mexico City, March 24, 2022 — “I am proud to welcome the nine National Football League teams that, starting this year, will be closer than ever to their Mexican followers. There are over 48 million NFL fans in Mexico, the largest number of fans outside the United States. Not only are they the largest fanbase, but they are also among the best!
“The Embassy has worked with the NFL on initiatives to develop football in this country, including their Flag NFL and Play 60 programs. There is no better tool than football to inspire healthy habits among the almost 80,000 young Mexicans, men and women, who currently practice it.
“The nine teams -the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Francisco 49ers- have inspired entire generations. With their commercial and social responsibility programs in Mexico, there is a great opportunity to inspire a new generation of young Mexicans to live the passion and the values of football.
“Last season, players Isaac Alarcón and Alfredo Gutiérrez represented Mexico in the NFL. In this new era, our sports diplomacy will raise the number of players, coaches, fans, and strategic partners of the NFL and its teams in every corner of this country. It’s time to get out on the field! Mexico, are you ready for some football?”