The U.S. women’s water polo team is aiming for a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal, and they have an unexpected supporter: Flavor Flav. The 65-year-old Public Enemy rapper has become the team’s official hype man.
“This is quite an experience for me right now,” Flav said. “I always wanted to see what it felt like being there.” Flav has been seen hugging and high-fiving everyone at the Team USA house in Paris.
The partnership began when team captain Maggie Steffens sought financial help on Instagram. Flav, whose real name is William Jonathan Drayton Jr., answered the call. “As a girl dad and supporter of all women’s sports, I’m going to sponsor you my girl, whatever you need,” he wrote back.
Flavor Flav Joins Team USA
Flav signed a five-year sponsorship deal with both the U.S. women’s and men’s water polo teams. This deal aims to elevate the visibility of water polo in the U.S. Flav’s contributions go beyond financial support; he also makes appearances at USA Water Polo events.
Steffens expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’ve been really empowered by other women in sports to use your voice, which can be a little scary at times.” She added that Flav’s involvement has opened doors for new audiences to learn about their team.
Flavor Flav even helped the team secure tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Paris. Since then, he has been a constant presence, easily recognizable with his custom USA Water Polo clock necklace.
A Surprising Partnership
Flav’s support has brought newfound attention to the team, despite his unconventional background. “Everybody wants to feel like they got their back covered,” Flav said. “When they feel that, it makes them feel more powerful.”
Flav’s dedication extends to personal moments, such as meeting First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. “These girls are my girls, they work hard,” he said. Dr. Biden praised Flav’s support, calling their partnership “the duo you didn’t know you needed.”