TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay female student-athletes are starring in a new national Nike commercial, just in time for the Super Bowl.
After nearly two months of having to keep it a secret, the Alonso and Robinson flag football teams can finally watch, along with the rest of the nation, the Nike commercial they are featured in.
“Keeping it a secret was definitely something. I was just so proud of being a part of this. So thankful, that I really just wanted to tell everybody, but I knew that it was something that was important to this team,” said Karina Diaz, Quarter Back.
The ad is all part of Nike’s newest campaign to inspire more girls and women to see themselves in football. Isansa Bonga, a junior captain at Alonso, was chosen to do the commercial’s voice-over.
“They’re like ‘Oh my gosh, you’re famous.’ I’m like no it’s not really about fame, it’s really about putting flag football out there and putting women out there to show that we’re just as strong,” Bonga said.
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, one million more boys than girls get to play sports in high school.
Nike is teaming up with the NFL to provide a $5 million grant to help bring girls flag football to every high school in America.
“Now you have a group who’s willing to pick up that bill and make sure people have this opportunity. It couldn’t be a better way to get it out there and we are so proud of being with them and being along side of them in this push,” said Matt Hernandez, Alonso coach.
The players are looking forward to the impact the campaign will have on the future of football.
“A lot of people think, ‘how does it feel to be part of a man’s sport?’ My response is always, football isn’t a man’s sport, it’s just dominated by them,” said Bonga.
