The NFL has launched its new Super Bowl LIX campaign, "NFL FLAG 50," celebrating the rapid growth of girls’ flag football as an official high school varsity sport.
With a nod to classic Americana films, the ad kicks off in a 1980s high school filled with big hair, varsity jackets, and quirky characters. Girls’ high school flag football star Ki'Lolo Westerlund plays the "new girl," while NFL legend Pat McAfee, as the principal, announces the sport's varsity status. The school is then catapulted into the present, showing the fast-paced, high-energy nature of today’s girls' flag football. Cameos include NFL stars Justin Jefferson, Myles Garrett, and Marshawn Lynch.
Featured Players
NFL Players & Legends:
- Justin Jefferson (NFL Player, IFAF x NFL Global Flag Football Ambassador)
- Myles Garrett (NFL Player)
- Pat McAfee (NFL Legend)
- Marshawn Lynch (NFL Legend)
Female Flag Players:
- Ki'Lolo Westerlund (Girls’ Varsity Flag, Liberty High School, U.S. Girls’ Junior National Team)
- Serenity Simon (Girls’ Varsity Flag, Palmetto High School)
- Ashlea Klam (Women’s Varsity Flag, Keiser University; U.S. Women's National Team, IFAF x NFL Global Flag Ambassador)
- Vanita Krouch (U.S. Women's National Team, IFAF x NFL Global Flag Ambassador)
- Gabi Bankhardt (Brazil Women’s National Team, IFAF x NFL Global Flag Ambassador)
- Elisa De Santis (France Women’s National Team, IFAF x NFL Global Flag Ambassador)
- Kodie Fuller (Australia Women’s National Team, IFAF x NFL Global Flag Ambassador)
- Mona Stevens (German Women’s National Team, IFAF x NFL Global Flag Ambassador)
- Tania Rincon (Mexico Women’s National Team)
"Girls’ flag football is growing rapidly, and we’re using our biggest stage to celebrate and push for more opportunities," said Tim Ellis, NFL chief marketing officer. "With top NFL players alongside real female flag stars, 'NFL FLAG 50' is an energetic call to action, inspiring young girls and their communities."
The campaign underscores the NFL’s commitment to expanding flag football. Currently, 14 U.S. states sanction girls’ flag as a varsity sport, with 19 others running pilot programs. The sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics further cements its global growth.
