Who is the girl in the NFL Fumble commercial?
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Sam Gordon, a teenage football standout from Utah, was featured in the NFL 100 “Fumble” commercial that aired during Super Bowl LIII in February 2019. At the time, she was just 15 years old and attending Herriman High School. Her journey into the spotlight began years earlier, when video highlights of her beating and passing around boys on the field went viral online.
The “Fumble” Commercial: A Century of NFL Legacy Meets Tomorrow
The commercial was a centerpiece of the NFL’s centennial celebration, featuring an all-star banquet filled with legends like Jim Brown, Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Barry Sanders, and many others. The scene erupted into chaos when Marshawn Lynch knocked the decorative football off the cake, prompting players to scramble in a comic frenzy. The ball ultimately landed in Gordon’s hands—making her the focal point representing the future of the game.
The Iconic Line: “You Want This? Come and Get It.”
The Salt Lake Tribune
In a memorable moment, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman politely asks for the ball. Gordon’s response—“You want this? Come and get it”—was confident, spirited, and instantly memorable. She playfully dodged Sherman and passed the ball to Saquon Barkley, reinforcing her presence among NFL stars.
Production Insights & Behind-the-Scenes
The Salt Lake Tribune
The decision to include Sam came somewhat late—her family was contacted in mid‑January, just weeks ahead of the shoot. Filming took place over three days in Los Angeles, and her scene was shot at the very end amidst smashed party décor and mayhem. According to her father Brent Gordon, director Peter Berg even let Sam watch from behind the camera during other actors’ scenes, giving her a glimpse into filmmaking magic.
Beyond the Commercial: Sam Gordon’s Lasting Impact
Sam Gordon’s appearance wasn’t her only milestone. Back in 2012, at age 9, she played in boys’ youth football leagues and racked up 1,911 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 65 tackles in a single season. The attention from her highlight video earned her the NFL Game Changer Award in 2017.
She continued her activism, co-founding the Utah Girls Tackle Football League in 2015—and even participated in a Title IX lawsuit to compel school districts to support female football at the varsity level.
Why Sam Gordon Captured Audiences Nationwide
Symbol of inclusion – Her role in the commercial underscored that football is for everyone, not just boys or men.
Authenticity & media traction – Her real-life story, bursting from viral videos to national campaigns, resonated deeply.
A perfect narrative pivot – The spot shifts from honoring past legends to spotlighting the future—embodied in Sam.
Tone-setting attitude – Her confident line, “You want this? Come and get it,” immediately became iconic.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Even today, Sam Gordon remains a symbol for girls in football. Her inclusion in the “Fumble” commercial was not just a promotional moment—it was a cultural nudge toward more inclusive sporting representation. For many young athletes, seeing Sam stand confidently among NFL greats became a beacon of possibility.
In Summary
The girl in the NFL “Fumble” commercial is Sam Gordon, a high-school athlete from Utah.
At 15, she stood out among NFL legends with charisma, talent, and a game-changing moment.
Her presence in the advertisement reflected her real-world path—from viral youth football star to national symbol of inclusion.
Her legacy continues through activism, representation, and the ongoing push for gender equity in sports.
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