Jordan Chiles is one of the biggest stars in the world of gymnastics currently. And with an Olympic gold to her name, she has already made a name for herself as one of the NCAA’s mainstays. Her meteoric rise in fame has seen people make comparisons of her with Simone Biles. But while Biles remains the undisputed queen of modern gymnastics, Chiles is quickly marking her name as well. But recently Chiles scored a win that even the great Simone Biles couldn’t. And it has something to do with the upcoming Super Bowl LIX.

Recently, Jordan Chiles took an unexpected detour from her rigorous gymnastics routine. Despite falling short of a medal at the Paris Olympics, Chiles has secured a spot in an exciting new venture, one that even Biles missed out on. But this time, it’s not about gymnastics. Chiles has landed a role in one of the biggest sporting spectacles of the year—Super Bowl LIX. And too with the unique match of flag football.

Chiles has reshared a story reading, “Team @kaicenat See you soon, NOLA,” confirming her participation in YouTuber and streamer Kai Cenat’s team. She’ll be joining a star-studded lineup, including Mike Vick, Teyana Taylor, and Cole Bennett, in an exciting new competition where each team features 10 players. But here’s the real catch—Chiles is making history as the first gymnast to take on a new Olympic sport ahead of LA 2028. And as if that wasn’t enough, she’s also been making waves in the NCAA, recently earning her second perfect 10.

Ahead of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, the NFL and YouTube are hosting a cultural crossover event on the gridiron. The teams for the Super Bowl LIX Weekend Flag Football Game are divided between Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed (Darren Jason Watkins Jr.). The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, in New Orleans, and two seven-player teams will face off against each other. The game will be streamed exclusively on YouTube and looks to combine well-known YouTubers with musicians, former NFL players, and other athletes.

Chiles’ unexpected decision to try out a new sport is an example of the growing crossover between gymnastics and the NFL, where athletes from various sports are trying out other opportunities. The NFL fans are excited to see a top-rated gymnast who does the toughest things in several sports. How is this Super Bowl LIX important for the athletes?

Importance of Super Bowl LIX for Jordan Chiles and other athletes

This Superbowl is set to be monumental. Not just because of the chances of the Chiefs 3-peat but also due to what is planned for the Super Bowl weekend. Yes, you guessed it right. It’s a flag football match. The sport is becoming quite a big deal in US high schools. And it might even be present as a category in the 2028 LA Olympics. The NFL might also be interested in this, as it has shown its popularity. And the chances of a global reach are there. It will also help with athletes’ NIL deals.

Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said, “I certainly could envision on both the men’s and women’s side; if you wanted to sort of think into the future, every NFL team has their own men’s and women’s flag team that perhaps plays in the offseason and uses some of the branding of the parent team.” But how is flag football related to American football?

In simple terms, it is the non-contact version of Giridion football. Instead of attacking the player with the ball, opponents can rip out the belts with flags that five players on each team wear. When a flag is removed, the ball carrier goes out of bounds, drops the ball, or hits the ground; it’s called a down. Teams have four downs to get halfway from their five-yard line and an additional four if they pass that point to score a touchdown, which is worth six points. But are there any other athletes who are transitioning to this sport?

Well, you might be surprised but quite a few have. Nyjah Green, a senior in high school, excels in the realm of flag football. Green, who played football as a child, discovered when she grew older that there were few options for girls. “Girls can do the same thing as boys, literally,” she stated.

Another example is former NFL linebacker and two-time Pro Bowler Lorenzo Alexander, who enjoys coaching his daughter’s flag football team because he believes it’s a safer option for his young sons. Women have always had fewer opportunities in football as compared to males or boys. But flag football looks to change this. With 25% of its athletes female, it is the sport’s fastest-growing demographic.

Nearly half a million girls aged 6 to 17 participated in flag football in 2023 alone, a 63% rise from 2019. USA Football President and CEO Scott Hallenbeck said, “Particularly for women’s flag football, it’s just stunning how quickly it’s grown.” Hopefully, women will be getting more opportunities in football and sports as well. And with the recent inclusion of Jordan Chiles, even more young women are bound to be exposed to it.