Griffin, the recently retired NBA player known for his explosive playing style and engagement with fans, is now stepping into a new arena. Teaming up with Kalil, a former Pro Bowl NFL center, they are making headlines by acquiring a majority stake in the Monterrey Fundidores, a prominent franchise in Mexico’s Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional (LFA). Kalil has kept the financial specifics close to the vest, only revealing that the deal was secured for a substantial seven-figure sum.
In a candid moment during a video interview, Kalil opened up about the transformation from player to owner. “As former players, we’ve often critiqued management and ownership from the sidelines, just like passionate fans do,” he acknowledged, “I’ve had my fair share of critiques in the past. This new venture is our chance to put our insights and perspectives into practice and see if we really know how to make a team thrive.” It’s this relatable honesty that fans can appreciate; many have experienced the frustration of feeling unheard while rooting for their teams.
The group of owners isn’t just a random collection of athletes. It’s a powerhouse lineup featuring Kalil’s former Carolina Panthers teammates: Luke Kuechly, Greg Olsen, Jonathan Stewart, and the soon-to-be Pro Football Hall of Famer Julius Peppers. The crew expands even further with former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Adding a twist of personality to the management, Barstool Sports figures Dan “Big Cat” Katz and Eric Sollenberger (PFT Commenter) are also part of the investment team. Clearly, these aren’t just any former athletes—they’re an all-star ensemble ready to make waves.
This undertaking marks a significant collaboration between Griffin and Kalil, who previously co-founded Mortal Media in 2016 to produce content that resonates with sports fans and beyond. They are undertaking an exciting rebranding of the Fundidores to the Osos (Bears), aiming to create a connection with a broader, more diverse audience. “We’re really excited about capturing this journey through a documentary,” Kalil mentioned, envisioning a project that will not only track the team’s first season but also delve into the unique stories of the international players and coaches involved. “We’ve been on the lookout for a project that fits our creative vision and fuels our passion—it’s all coming together.”
The ambitious duo draws inspiration from Hollywood powerhouses Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who famously revived the Wrexham A.F.C., a football club in Wales, and produced the critically acclaimed docuseries *Welcome to Wrexham*. This move to explore the intersection of sports and storytelling reflects Mortal Media’s expanding portfolio, which already includes a fresh take on *White Men Can’t Jump* featuring rapper Jack Harlow and the sci-fi comedy *Hello Tomorrow!* starring actor Billy Crudup. Through this venture, both Griffin and Kalil are transitioning from the sports field to the cinematic world, with equal enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
Kalil is particularly enthusiastic about the Osos documentary, which is scheduled for release next year. “It’s gratifying to be back around football after stepping away for a bit,” he said, eager to take a much more hands-on role compared to typical ownership experiences, which can often feel detached and passive.
Reflecting on the future, Kalil addressed the challenges of entering the elite level of American football. “Getting into top-tier football in the U.S. isn’t easy unless you’re someone like Tom Brady,” he confessed. “Even if you have the money, it can feel like you’re just along for the ride in a massive vehicle.” His words resonate with many fans who may feel similarly blocked when trying to pursue their dreams.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first link between former NFL stars and the Osos. Chad Johnson, a former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, played with the team back in 2017, just a year after its inception. The Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional is still in its infancy at just nine years old, but American football has deep roots in Mexico dating back to the 1920s. Local universities cultivated a love for the sport that ultimately led to the formation of the college league, ONEFA, in 1978.
The NFL itself recognizes Mexico as crucial to its international growth, marking its territory by hosting the first preseason game there in 1978 and its inaugural regular-season game in 2005. With the Osos ownership planning to tap into the growing enthusiasm for football, the landscape looks promising. The NFL is poised to return to Mexico’s Estadio Azteca this season for its first regular-season game since 2022, and with ten NFL teams already holding marketing rights in the country, there are endless opportunities for deeper fan engagement.
While Kalil noted that no formal partnership between the two leagues exists just yet, he hinted at the potential for collaboration. “I’d love to blend my football background with our creative endeavors,” he said, signaling that his journey is just at the beginning.
“I’ve always said that my work in the NFL was like being in one of the most-watched TV shows,” Kalil concluded, reflecting on the overarching excitement that this venture brings. “This new project feels like a natural evolution for us. We’re chasing things that genuinely ignite our passion.” And for fans and aspiring athletes, that combination of experience and enthusiasm is something to appreciate; it’s all about living the dream, on and off the field.
