Griffin, the newly retired NBA player renowned for his dynamic style and fan engagement, is now transitioning into a different field. Partnering with Kalil, a former Pro Bowl NFL center, they are making waves by acquiring a majority stake in the Monterrey Fundidores, a leading team in Mexico’s Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional (LFA). Kalil has kept the financial details private, disclosing only that the acquisition involved a considerable seven-figure amount.
In a straightforward moment during a video chat, Kalil reflected on his shift from player to owner. “As former players, we’ve often critiqued management and ownership from the sidelines, just like passionate fans do,” he noted. “I’ve had my share of critiques in the past. This new venture allows us to implement our insights and see if we truly know how to cultivate a successful team.” This relatable transparency resonates with fans, many of whom have felt sidelined in their support of their teams.
The ownership group is not just a random assortment of athletes; it boasts a formidable cast including Kalil’s former teammates from the Carolina Panthers: Luke Kuechly, Greg Olsen, Jonathan Stewart, and likely future Pro Football Hall of Famer Julius Peppers. The team expands further with former Panthers coach Ron Rivera, San Francisco 49ers standout Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Adding flair to the management team, figures from Barstool Sports, Dan “Big Cat” Katz and Eric Sollenberger (PFT Commenter), are also involved in the investment. Clearly, these are not just any former athletes—they form an all-star collective ready to make an impact.
This venture represents a significant collaboration between Griffin and Kalil, who co-founded Mortal Media in 2016 to create content that resonates with sports enthusiasts and beyond. They are rebranding the Fundidores as the Osos (Bears), striving to foster a connection with a wider and more diverse audience. “We’re really excited about documenting this journey,” Kalil said, envisioning a project that will capture not only the team’s inaugural season but also explore the unique stories of the international players and coaches involved. “We’ve been seeking a project that aligns with our creative vision and stokes our passion—it’s all coming together.”
The ambitious duo draws inspiration from Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who notably revitalized Wrexham A.F.C., a football club in Wales, alongside the acclaimed docuseries *Welcome to Wrexham*. This move to merge sports with storytelling highlights Mortal Media’s expanding portfolio, which includes a modern rendition of *White Men Can’t Jump* featuring rapper Jack Harlow and the sci-fi comedy *Hello Tomorrow!* starring actor Billy Crudup. Through this initiative, both Griffin and Kalil are shifting from the sports realm to the cinematic world, equally excited about their future endeavors.
Kalil is particularly enthusiastic about the Osos documentary, slated for release next year. “It’s rewarding to be back around football after stepping away for a while,” he said, eager to engage more hands-on compared to conventional ownership roles, which can often feel distant and passive.
Looking ahead, Kalil acknowledged the challenges of entering the upper echelons of American football. “Entering elite-level football in the U.S. is not simple unless you’re someone like Tom Brady,” he admitted. “Even with financial backing, it can feel like you’re just along for the ride in a massive vehicle.” His sentiments resonate with many fans who may similarly feel obstructed in pursuing their aspirations.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first connection between former NFL stars and the Osos. Chad Johnson, a former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, was part of the team in 2017, a year after it was established. The Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional is still relatively new, just nine years old, but American football has a rich history in Mexico, tracing back to the 1920s. Local universities fostered a love for the game, which ultimately resulted in the formation of the college league, ONEFA, in 1978.
The NFL itself acknowledges Mexico as pivotal to its international expansion, having hosted its first preseason game there in 1978 and its first regular-season game in 2005. With the Osos ownership aiming to capitalize on the increasing enthusiasm for football, the future looks bright. The NFL is set to return to Estadio Azteca this season for its first regular-season game since 2022, and ten NFL teams already possess marketing rights in Mexico, presenting countless opportunities for deeper fan interaction.
While Kalil pointed out that there is currently no formal partnership between the two leagues, he hinted at the possibility for collaboration. “I’d love to integrate my football background with our creative initiatives,” he expressed, suggesting that his journey is just beginning.
“I’ve always said that being in the NFL felt like participating in one of the most-watched TV series,” Kalil reflected, considering the excitement this new venture inspires. “This project seems like a natural evolution for us. We’re pursuing endeavors that genuinely excite us.” For fans and aspiring athletes, this blend of experience and enthusiasm is something to cherish; it’s all about living the dream, both on and off the field.
