The Los Angeles Chargers are continuing to build their presence and deepen their connection with Greece, following their initial visit to Athens earlier this year where they announced their 5th-round pick of the 2025 NFL Draft from the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne in April.
In a pioneering initiative that underscores the team’s commitment to youth development, international outreach, and cultural heritage, the Chargers hosted a series of events on the Aegean island of Santorini from October 10-12, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the sport in Greece.
Bridging cultures through sport
This historic visit took place from October 10-12 on one of Greece’s most stunning islands, held in collaboration with the Municipality of Thira as part of the Santorini Experience. The event highlights the Chargers’ mission to grow flag football internationally, especially in anticipation of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where the sport will debut as an official medal event.
Greek-American former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl XLII participant Niko Koutouvides, a key participant in the events, sees immense potential for growth in the region. Speaking to Greek Reporter he said:
“I think there’s potential for the popularity of American football, specifically flag football, to take place here in Europe and in Greece,” Koutouvides stated.
“Flag football, you must be extremely athletic. It’s very similar to soccer, but instead of using your feet with the ball, now you have it in your hand and you catch and run. The object is to make people miss and to score. And if you have competitiveness inside of you, you’ll really enjoy playing the sport.”
He also noted the accessibility of the sport for local communities: “It allows kids to continue to play outside and be active. It’s not very expensive because all you need is flags and the football itself.”
“Now the NFL signed many, many deals with YouTube TV, Netflix, Peacock, Amazon Prime. Anywhere in the world you can stream American football and get more exposure to it,” Koutouvides added.
By promoting the sport globally, the Los Angeles Chargers are not only expanding its reach but also inspiring a new generation of athletes, creating a safe, educational, and fun program for the youth of Santorini.
“For Greeks to have the opportunity to play in the NFL, it is more challenging because they don’t have teams here where they can utilize the helmet, the pads, the pants, and to be able to formalize a team to have exposure. It really it’s going to take time for Europe to absorb and compete with the pads. That’s why flag football has a better potential of expanding here.”
Spanos’s dream of the NFL in Greece
Through youth development programs, educational activities, and community outreach, the Chargers also honor their heritage. Their presence in Greece is more than an athletic initiative—it is a return to the roots for the Spanos family, including Dean Spanos, Chargers Owner and Chairman of the Board, and Michael Spanos, Co-Owner and Vice Chairman. They are the grandchildren of Greek immigrants from the Aegean island of Symi.
Dean Spanos, owner of the Los Angeles Chargers, is planning to introduce the NFL to Greece’s market, Fred Maas, the Chief of Staff and Counselor of the LA Chargers, said last April.
Speaking at a press conference in Athens, Maas said that the ultimate goal is to bring the sport’s world championship to Greece. Suppose American football manages to win over the Greek public. In that case, the “Spanos bet” may prove to be more than just another international expansion: a new chapter in the sporting connection between Greece and the USA.
“Greece is a country with a deep connection to sports since ancient times. What better way than to bring the NFL here?” said Maas.
The events in Santorini were honored by the presence of notable figures, including former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, Greek-American former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl XLII participant Niko Koutouvides, Greek-Swedish-American football player and coach Melina Malaxos, members of the Aegean Elite (a prominent American Football team in Greece), Michael Spanos (Co-Owner and Vice Chairman of the Chargers), and members of the Los Angeles Chargers coaching staff.
Related: LA Chargers Boss Dean Spanos Vows to Bring NFL to Greece
