Who is the girl in the NFL Fumble commercial?
Unveiling the young star who stole the show in the NFL 100 Super Bowl ad
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Introduction: The Big Game, the Epic Ad, and One Unexpected Star
When the NFL rolled out its ambitious NFL 100 Super Bowl commercial during Super Bowl LIII, it seemed to convene a constellation of football legends—Jim Brown, Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Odell Beckham Jr., and many others—decked out in suits at a grandiose banquet, vying for control of a golden football atop a monumental cake. Chaos ensued after a fumbled catch sparked mayhem across the room. The NFL spotlighted history, but in the final moment, it shifted to the future: a young girl, spinning past Richard Sherman and tossing the ball to Saquon Barkley. That girl is Sam Gordon—and she’s the unexpected, unforgettable highlight of the ad.
Who Is Sam Gordon? From Viral Sensation to Super Bowl Spotlight
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Sam (Samantha) Gordon first captured the world’s attention at age 9 when she dominated in tackle football against boys—racking up unforgettable stats like 25 touchdowns and 65 tackles in one season. A video of her highlights went viral in 2012, leading to national media attention and appearances on shows like Good Morning America. She earned a Game Changer Award from the NFL in 2017 and became an inspiring figure advocating for girls in football.
Fast forward to Super Bowl LIII in February 2019: at just 15, Sam Gordon appeared in the NFL 100 ad, facing off against Sherman and finally passing the ball to Barkley. A writer noted she “delivered the punchline” in the commercial, providing both a memorable moment and a powerful symbol for the future of the sport.
Behind the Scenes: How Sam Gordon Landed the Role
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According to Sam’s father, the NFL reached out in mid-January 2019—just weeks before the Super Bowl—with the idea to include her in the high-profile ad. The production was last-minute, and Sam says they didn’t even receive the script until arriving in their hotel in Los Angeles, at which point the magnitude of the opportunity truly hit home.
Her scene, shot at the end of a three-day shoot, unfolded amid smashed tables, shattered glass, and a toppled cake. She shared the experience of filming with Richard Sherman and Saquon Barkley—recounting how nice they were despite the dozens of takes required to get the shot right. Even director Peter Berg took her under his wing, letting her observe behind-the-scenes during other players’ scenes.
Why Sam’s Cameo Resounded with Viewers and the NFL
The NFL 100 commercial was already a star vehicle, packed with legends. But Sam Gordon’s appearance reframed the ad, transforming it from a nostalgia-driven showcase to a moment of forward-looking inspiration:
Powerful storytelling: The juxtaposition of icons of the past with a youth ambassador of the sport resonated deeply.
Representation matters: Seeing a teenage girl dominate the final moment challenged stereotypes and energized fans.
Authentic moment: Sam’s real-deal football skills came through—no acting required.
Local and national outlets highlighted how she “stole the show” with that confident line: “You want this? Come and get it.”
Legacy: Sam Gordon’s Role in the Evolution of Football
Sam Gordon’s rise—from viral youth performance to beloved face of the NFL’s centennial ad—mirrors the league’s efforts to broaden representation. Her presence symbolizes football’s future: diverse, inclusive, and youth-driven. Her earlier accolades, like being the first female on a Wheaties box and winning the inaugural NFL Game Changer Award, cement her role as a trailblazer.
As the NFL continues expanding youth and flag football programs, her cameo underscores that the next generation isn’t just watching—they’re playing, impacting, and leading.
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