„It is an honor and a responsibility“: Abraham Chacón on joining the Firenze Red Lions
Abraham Chacón is not just making a move across the ocean. He is making history. The offensive lineman from Mexico becomes the first player from his country to compete in the American Football League Europe, joining the Firenze Red Lions for the league’s inaugural 2026 season.
For Chacón, this step has been a long time coming. He had been following European football closely for years, watching the continent, its cities and its culture from afar. When the AFLE was created and introduced its I-import rules, allowing players with roots in countries like Mexico to compete in the league, he knew his moment had arrived.
„The creation of the AFLE and its rules provided that opportunity for I-imports,“ he says. „It was the motivation I had been waiting for.“
Why the Red Lions
Italy caught his attention for a reason. Chacón was drawn not only to the country itself but to what the Firenze Red Lions represent as a club.
„Italy is a beautiful country, and it is an honor that it is home to a team like the Red Lions,“ he explains. „Their philosophy, their colors, and their staff were key to my being part of this team today.“
The connection came about through a meeting that could have been purely coincidental. General Manager Bart Iaccarino reached out through a Mexican coach who had met him in Barcelona. A few phone calls followed, giving Chacón the information he needed to make a decision together with his family.
„He was kind enough to explain the Red Lions project to me so I could make a decision with my family,“ Chacón recalls. „We had a few calls, and from there everything developed naturally.“
A career built on excellence
Chacón arrives in Florence as one of the most decorated players in Mexican football. In 2025, he was selected as the first overall pick in the LFA Draft, the top professional football league in Mexico, representing his home club Burros Blancos IPN.
That moment carried deep meaning for him.
„Thank God I was able to become the number one pick in the LFA in 2025,“ he says. „It was an honor to represent my institution and my home team. The LFA has a very high level of play. I think the coaches, the teams and the fans are top-notch.“
His achievements go beyond the draft. Chacón has represented Mexico at international level on multiple occasions and was inducted into the Mexican Football Hall of Fame in 2024. These are not just titles. They reflect a career built on discipline, study and consistency.
A player who studies the game
Chacón describes himself in clear terms. He is aggressive in the trenches, highly disciplined and, perhaps most importantly, a student of the game.
„I am a very disciplined player in all aspects, aggressive in the trenches, and above all a studious one when it comes to reading defenses,“ he says. „Thanks to this, I was able to be selected for the national team multiple times and be inducted into the Mexican Hall of Fame.“
Fans in Florence can expect a player who works hard, prepares carefully and brings a winning mentality to every single snap.
Representing Mexico in Europe
Being the only Mexican player in the AFLE carries weight. Chacón is well aware of what this moment means, not just for himself, but for everyone who might follow in his footsteps.
„It is an honor and a responsibility to represent Mexico in Europe,“ he says. „It is an opportunity to showcase how Mexicans work, the quality we possess, and to potentially open doors for more of us.“
Those words say a lot about how he approaches this chapter of his career. He is not here just to play. He is here to prove something.
One goal, and one goal only
When asked about his personal ambitions for the season, Chacón does not hesitate. His answer is simple and direct.
„The only goal I have set for myself is for the Red Lions to win the championship. That should be the team’s standard, always striving to be a serious contender. This requires making several sacrifices to reach the top in Europe.“
No individual statistics. No personal records. Just a championship.
A message to the fans in Florence
Before signing off, Chacón had one final thing to say to the supporters who will be cheering him on this summer.
„First of all, I thank you for the opportunity to represent Florence. It is an honor and a responsibility, and you can be sure we will give our best to bring the trophy home. We also invite you to be present at all the games and show that we have the best fans.“
The Firenze Red Lions kick off their AFLE journey on 30 May 2026 away at Paris Lights. Abraham Chacón will be in the trenches, ready to make history.
