Who is the girl in the red dress in the NFL commercial?
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Here’s a 1,500‑word deep dive into that unforgettable moment—and the inspiring young woman who made it truly unforgettable.
A Standout Moment in NFL History
Late in the NFL 100 commercial—a star‑studded Super Bowl ad celebrating the league’s centennial—a teenage girl in a striking red dress intercepts the golden football, spins past Richard Sherman, and passes it to Saquon Barkley. A brief moment, but one that left an indelible impression.
Meet Samantha “Sam” Gordon
That girl is Samantha Gordon, often known as Sam Gordon. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, she first captured national attention at age 9, excelling in youth football while playing on boys’ teams—averaging 8.2 yards per carry, amassing 1,911 rushing yards, and scoring 35 touchdowns in a single season.
By the time she appeared in the NFL 100 commercial, Sam was about 15 and well on her way to becoming an advocate for girls in football.
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From Viral Sensation to Super Bowl Spotlight
Sam Gordon first became known through a viral video her father posted—showcasing her prowess on the field and gaining millions of views. That led to her being honored with the inaugural NFL Game Changer Award in 2017, recognizing her efforts in promoting girls’ tackle football.
Her inclusion in the NFL 100 commercial wasn’t just symbolic—it was a clear nod to the future of the sport and a salute to her pioneering work both on and off the field.
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What the Scene Symbolizes
The commercial depicted a glamorous, tuxedo‑worn gaggle of NFL legends at a gala turned impromptu game. When the golden ball descends into Sam’s hands and she confidently tucks it and challenges a superstar defender, it encapsulates a powerful message: the next generation—especially young women—belong in football.
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Impact and Legacy
Following the commercial, Sam Gordon became emblematic of the growing momentum behind girls’ and women’s football. With the Utah Girls Tackle Football League—which she helped establish with her father—she fostered greater access and visibility for girls across the region and beyond.
The commercial debuted during the Super Bowl and soared to the top of USA Today’s Ad Meter, reflecting how memorable and emotionally resonant it was with audiences.
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Sam Gordon Speaks Out
In post‑ad interviews—including one with NFL Total Access—Sam described how surreal it was to share the screen with NFL greats and contribute to the league’s centennial moment. Her presence was both personal and groundbreaking.
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Why a Red Dress? Why Her?
The red dress served as a visual highlight—an unexpected, elegant contrast among rugged legends in suits. Casting Sam—someone who embodied youth, inclusion, and grit—was a deliberate choice that emphasized the NFL’s growing commitment to diversity and empowerment.
Why It Resonated Beyond the Game
This wasn’t just another sports commercial. It was a mini‐statement about representation, equality, and progression. Sam Gordon’s role offered genuine inspiration by spotlighting a girl leading the scene—quite literally—among the icons of the sport.
Closing Thoughts
The girl in the red dress? She’s Samantha Gordon—a football prodigy who turned viral fame into activism. In a sweeping ad filled with NFL royalty, this teenager seized the moment, carrying more than a golden football—she carried a wave of change.
From dominating boys’ leagues at age 9 to advocating for girls’ football at 15, Sam embodies what it means to be not just the future of sport—but a catalyst for cultural growth. Her presence in the NFL 100 ad wasn’t a cameo—it was a statement: football is for everyone.
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