Kicker Jose Maltos Diaz Celebrates Family Legacy in Grey Cup

Montreal Alouettes kicker Jose Maltos Diaz is set to showcase a heartfelt tribute to his family during the Grey Cup against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on November 19, 2023. In a unique gesture, he added his mother’s last name, Diaz, to the back of his jersey, honouring her during a challenging time.

In July, when Maltos Diaz learned that his mother, Maria, was undergoing surgery in Mexico, he felt compelled to recognize her support. “I need to honour my mom’s last name, so it’s just for her,” the 34-year-old said as he prepared for the championship game. During a video call with his mother, he turned to show her the jersey. “She was just crying and happy with me,” he recalled.

Despite the surgery not being serious, the emotional connection has invigorated Maltos Diaz’s performance on the field. He noted, “After that happened, everything goes up for me, in every aspect of my life, because I honour my mom, my dad (Francisco), because I love them and I’m doing this for them.”

He wore the jersey during a game against the Calgary Stampeders on July 24, where he successfully executed five field goals in a thrilling 23-21 victory. This included a personal best of 58 yards, setting a new franchise record with just 70 seconds left on the clock. “I’m so happy because now they know me as Maltos Diaz,” he expressed.

Maltos Diaz concluded the regular season leading the Canadian Football League (CFL) with a total of 58 field goals, another franchise record. He attempted a league-high 65 field goals, marking a significant achievement in his career. His 58th field goal came during the last match of the regular season at Princess Auto Stadium, despite the Alouettes losing 19-10 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

“Breaking the franchise record here feels like a good omen,” he said, expressing optimism as he prepares for the Grey Cup. Although his family cannot attend the game, he takes comfort in knowing they will be watching from home. “I know they’re watching me on TV, so I’m happy, they’re happy,” he mentioned, adding that his girlfriend will be present in Winnipeg to support him.

Maltos Diaz enters the championship following a dramatic victory in the East Division final, where he kicked a 45-yard walk-off field goal to secure a 19-16 win against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. As he anticipates the Grey Cup, he is focused on the possibility of making a game-winning kick. “I’m just going to say it’s in my mind 24/7,” he said, noting that he prepares mentally by listening to music in Spanish and reading Bible verses.

Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Maltos Diaz began his athletic career as a soccer player before transitioning to American football in high school. After being signed by the NFL’s New Orleans Saints in 2013, he faced challenges that led him to the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was initially picked up by the B.C. Lions in 2018, but after being released, he joined the Ottawa Redblacks as part of the league’s global initiative.

Throughout his career, Maltos Diaz has navigated ups and downs, but his perseverance led him to the Alouettes in December 2022. Stepping in for the injured David Cote over the past two seasons, he finally secured the starting position this year after Cote’s retirement. Alouettes head coach Jason Maas has expressed his confidence in Maltos Diaz, particularly regarding long-distance kicks. “The moment we reach offensively those distances, we don’t even hesitate. It’s, we’re going,” Maas commented.

Maltos Diaz’s success extends beyond the football field; he also works as a residential and commercial real estate agent in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico. His clients are aware of his football commitments, and some even tune in to watch his games. Currently engaged in a promising real estate deal, he maintains a light-hearted outlook, saying, “But if they’re ready to go, to put money, I’m ready, too.”

As he prepares to take the field for the Grey Cup, Jose Maltos Diaz embodies a blend of family values and athletic determination. His journey reflects not only a personal triumph but also a celebration of heritage as he aims to secure victory for the Alouettes.