New Ownership for the Monterrey Osos: A Big Move for Mexican Football

A New Era for the Monterrey Osos
In a groundbreaking development for professional football in Mexico, a group of high-profile current and former NFL stars has acquired the Monterrey Osos (Bears), a team competing in the rapidly growing Liga de Fútbol Americano (LFA). The team, previously known as the “Fundidores” (Smelters), is set to enter its eighth season in 2025 with a fresh ownership group, including some of the biggest names in the sport. This acquisition is sure to raise the profile of the LFA and spark significant interest in Mexican football.

Who’s Behind the Acquisition?
The purchase of the Monterrey Osos was spearheaded by former Carolina Panthers center and five-time Pro Bowler Ryan Kalil, alongside NBA star Blake Griffin. They have brought together an impressive group of co-owners, including:

• Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)
• George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers)
• Sam Darnold (San Francisco 49ers)
• Greg Olsen (Former NFL Tight End)
• Luke Kuechly (Former NFL Linebacker)
• Julius Peppers (Former NFL Defensive End)
• Jonathan Stewart (Former NFL Running Back)
• Ron Rivera (Head Coach, Washington Commanders)
• Dan “Big Cat” Katz (Pardon My Take)
• Eric Sollénberger (PFT Commenter, Pardon My Take)

This star-studded ownership group brings a wealth of football knowledge and experience to the team, which will surely help shape the future of the Osos and the LFA.

A Vision for Change and Growth
The new ownership is not just focused on the team’s success on the field. A major initiative includes the production of a documentary by Mortal Media, co-owned by Kalil and Griffin, which will capture the transformation of the team and their journey as new owners. The documentary will offer a unique look into the lives of the players and the passion that drives them. In Mexico, football players often juggle the sport with other jobs, playing for the love of the game rather than the paycheck. This personal connection to the sport will provide compelling storylines for the documentary and offer viewers a rare glimpse into the heart of Mexican football.

The Monterrey Osos and their connection to the region
Monterrey is a football hub in Mexico, home to two of the country’s top college football programs. These powerhouse teams have faced off in national championships for several years and have consistently produced top talent. The city is known for its passionate football culture, which bodes well for the Osos as they aim to capture the attention of the local fans and build a strong, competitive team.

The Osos’ recent performance has been impressive, winning the Tazón México V in 2022. However, in the past few years, they’ve been eliminated in the semifinals by the reigning back-to-back undefeated champions, the Chihuahua Caudillos. With the new ownership group and their ambitions for growth, the Osos are primed to take the next step in their evolution and challenge for the championship once again.

What is the LFA?
The Liga de Fútbol Americano (LFA) is Mexico’s premier professional football league, founded in 2016. Currently consisting of nine teams, the LFA is growing rapidly, with its eighth season set to kick off in May 2025. Despite facing some financial challenges and growing pains in its early years, the LFA is striving for stability and continuity, with the goal of establishing itself as a premier professional sports league in Mexico. The addition of a high-profile ownership group like the Osos’ will only help boost the league’s visibility and contribute to its future growth.

LFA Teams and International Players
The LFA is a platform for Mexican football talent, with most of its players hailing from Mexico. However, the league also allows 16 foreign players per team, typically from the United States, given the popularity and quality of football in the U.S. Monterrey is known as a major talent pipeline, so it’s no surprise that the Osos will be looking to build a team of skilled players who can compete at a high level.

The league has already seen notable former NFL players make their mark, including Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, who played two games for the Fundidores in the LFA’s second season, and Terence Williams, who played for the Tijuana Galgos in 2024. The LFA is proving to be a viable destination for former NFL players looking to extend their careers or promote the sport in Mexico.

A Bright Future for Mexican Football
The LFA is steadily gaining traction, and with high-profile owners like Kalil, Griffin, McCaffrey, and others now involved with the Monterrey Osos, the future of professional football in Mexico is looking brighter than ever. This new venture has the potential to elevate the league’s standing both within Mexico and internationally. The Osos’ journey will be exciting to watch, and as the team moves forward, it will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of football fans and players across the country.