This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase following these links, I’ll earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

For Kids With a Future Career in NFL Analytics

Blitz Champz Football Card Game $19.99

This super fun and educational card game is the perfect vehicle for teaching kids (7+) the basic rules of the game while building up their math skills. Developed by star women’s professional player Adrienne Smith, the original deck emphasizes football accessibility to all by featuring male and female players. But if you want to make your kid or their friends the star, Blitz Camp offers a customizable option. Either way, this game should keep your kids occupied for a long time!

For Adults With Cold Feet

FOCO Womens Slide Slippers $29.99

What better way to cheer on your favorite team by watching a bunch of freezing fans on television while your feet are hugged with endless warmth?

For Fans Who Value Comfort Over Style

FOCO Oversized Sherpa Hoodie $59.99

Ah, the sweet comfort of Sherpa in the harsh temperatures of NFL winters in the winter…or anywhere cold for that matter. Bonus: It’s reversible!

For Trivia Lovers Who Know “Everything” About Their Team

The Ultimate Chicago Bears Trivia Book (Available for other teams) $9.85

Even the most diehard fans should learn something new about their team’s history. And if they truly know everything, this is the book to prove it.

For The Superior Gender to Brag About Their Superior Fantasy Skills

“I’m Better Than My Husband” Tee Shirt $17.99

Of course you’re better than your husband at fantasy. Now shout it to the world.

The post Holiday Gift Guide: Football Goodies For The Whole Family appeared first on The Football Girl.

Be sure to check out our other gifts ideas: BEST FOOTBALL BOOKS | FUN FOOTBALL GIFTS FOR KIDS 

Please note that prices are subject to chance and that TFG may receive a small commission from any purchases.

DOONEY AND BOURKE BAG

Take your fandom everywhere with this stylish hand bag designed to make the colors of your favorite team pop. $199/Amazon

FOOTBALL FAN TEES

Simple, subtle yet entirely stylish, we love the general message as everyday wear. $13.99/Jane.com

NFL DANGLE EARRINGS

We love these earrings because there will be no question who your favorite team is and also their are incredibly affordable. Also available with the logs of the Texans, Dolphins, Jets and Chargers. $9.88/Amazon

TEAM INFINITY SCARF

Intricately stitched team colors let you stay warm without looking too gaudy. $24.99/NFL Shop

NFL T-SHIRT AND FLANNEL PAJAMA SET

Have a dreamy, Brees-y good night sleep with these cozy pjs. $34.94/Amazon

WOMENS FOOTBALL HOT SOX

Keep your ankles warm with these cutely patterned socks. $7.22/Amazon

FOOTBALL MAMA SHIRT

Moms of football players and moms who love football alike will like perfect in their independently designed tee. $25/Design By Humans

FOOTBALL COFFEE MUG

Cozy up to a piping hot cup of coffee with sass and confidence. $14.95/Etsy

ORIGAMI OWL CUSTOMIZABLE CHARM BRACELET OR NECKLACE

Have fun playing with Origami Owls beautiful collection of charms and create your masterpiece. Whether you want to honor a specific player or showcase your general fandom with a sparkly football and some hearts, the choice is all yours! Price varies/Origami Owl

VINTAGE LONG SLEEVE TEE

We love the detailing in these bold, throwbacks shirts. Make a statement and look great while doing it! $44.99/NFL Shop

SEAHAWKS LOW TOP SNEAKERS

Are there any two words between than comfortable and stylish? These sneakers are perfect for the unexpected walking that comes from attending a football game. $39.99/Fanatics

FOOTBALL AND MIMOSAS SWEATSHIRT

We love the message and the color (though there are several other options to choose from. Can someone get us a mimosa? The game’s almost starting… $36.99/Etsy

PUNNY FOOTBALL TEE’S

This Tee is perfect for every Holiday party and since it comes in uni-sex you can get enough for your family to match! It’s a great deal at $25 / LiveLoveGameday

The post TFG 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Top Picks For Stylish Football Girls appeared first on The Football Girl.

NFL GAME DAY BOARD GAME

An easy-to-play game that teaches kids rules and basic strategy of the game, all while playing a what feels like a real football game. (The 7-year-old son of TFG Managing Editor Melissa Jacobs received this as a Hanukkah gift and is OBSESSED.) $24.50

FASHION FOOTBALL LUNCH BAG

The kid who enters the school cafeteria with this lunch bag will be the envy of all football fans. Stylish and insulated. $14.99

NFL TOY TRAIN

Trains and football combined? Yes, please, every train loving NFL fan will say. These trains are compatible with all the popular track models and come in all 32 teams. $12.99

BEARINGTON TEDDY BEAR BLANKET

From tummy time to a comforting place for a kid to retreat and dream about winning a Super Bowl some day, this adorable blanket will be a family stapler many years. $35.99

YOUTH FANCHEST

Why give your little fan one gift when he/she can get four-in-one? Imagine the smile when they open this beautifully packaged fan box full of goodies from their favorite team? Available of most teams. Unlike other boxes, this is a one-time purchase. $49

TECMO FOOTBALL TEE

An adorable tee that doubles as a conversation piece for Tecmo-loving adults. A creative, stylish way for any child to showcase their fandom. $24

FOOTBALL WORD SEARCH

A perfect stocking stuffer that will entertain a kid for hours. This word search is newly released so all the word should be relatively current. $6.99

NFL TEAM PAJAMAS

The notion that kids don’t like to receive clothes as presents will be shattered in an instant when they see these cozy pajamas donning their favorite team.  $22.49

The post TFG Gift Guide 2018: Delight The Football Kids In Your Life appeared first on The Football Girl.

We have carefully selected these books because we’ve read and loved them all. Two quick disclaimers: please note that prices are subject to chance and that TFG may receive a small commission from any purchases.

You Negotiate Like a Girl, Amy Trask

Decades before there were female coaches and scouts, former Raiders CEO Amy Trask was making key personnel decisions and attending owners meeting as Al Davis’s most trusted advisor. Trask’s glass shattering experience comes to life in her empowering book, which is full of lessons learned and compelling anecdotes on being the only girl in the room. $16.31 (Amazon)

Football For A Buck: The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL, Jeff Pearlman

Pearlman’s obsession with the USFL and penchant for prolific reporting results in a frolicking tale you have to read to believe. Yes, there’s also plenty on Trump and his role in derailing the USFL. $18.30

The Score Takes Care Of Itself: My Philosophy on Leadership, Bill Walsh

Before Bill Walsh, the legendary coach who changed football forever died in 2007, he gave a series of extensive interviews to best-selling author Steve Jamison. Jamison transformed Walsh’s words into this masterpiece which truly transcends football. $14.45

Belichick: The Making of the Greatest Football Coach of All Time, Ian O’Conner

Speaking of coaching genius, Bill Belichick has done ok for himself. This newly release biography contains over 500 pages on one of the most mysterious yet fascinating (and yes, successful) figures ever involved in sports. A definitive biography and a fun conversation starter for anyone who sees the cover. $18.30

The New Thinking Man’s Guide to Pro Football, Paul Zimmerman

Dr Z, who passed away this year, is largely considered the greatest football writer of all-time. This beautifully written follow-up in 1984 to his 1973 original is chockfull of amazing anecdotes and keen observations about football that remain relevant to this day. It’s so brilliant that we’ll forgive him for not including women in the title. $19.95

Things That Make White People Uncomfortable, Michael Bennett with Dave Zirin

The title says it all. In this powerful, compelling book, the Eagles DE sheds light on the African- American athlete’s tumultuous relationship with powerful institutions. If you don’t think this book if for you, it may be exactly for you. $16.48

Play Big: Lessons in Being Limitless from the First Woman to Coach in the NFL, Jen Welter 

In 2015 the Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians made Jen Welter the first female coach in the history of the NFL. Welter’s magnetic personality shined during her training camp internship and long after her time in Arizona. Ever the dynamo, Welter’s words of encouragement and on her own experience jump off the page. $17.10

Slow Getting Up: A Story of NFL Survival from the Bottom of the Pile, Nate Jackson

Former NFL wide receiver Nate Jackson pulls back the curtain on life as a low-on-the totem pole NFL player. In this gripping biography, Jackson shares harrowing details about pain management, brain injury and lack of benefits. Despite the heavy subject matter, Jackson infuses this book with a healthy dose of humor. $15.19

The Art of Smart Football, Chris Brown

Former ESPN analyst Chris Brown, one of the football minds of the modern generation, shares his insights for schemes, trends and new ideas in this compelling read. Even the most hardened x’s and o’s snob is sure to learn something. $9.99

The post TFG 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Awesome Football Books For The Inquisitive Fan appeared first on The Football Girl.

Kaepernick’s protesting set off fierce and layered reverberations in the world of football. But in real life he is a social justice warrior who has inspired millions.

As we have been putting together our gift guides we have encountered hordes of Kaepernick merchandise. Thus we thought it appropriate to include a selection of our favorites combining style and messaging that would make suitable gifts for those that are With Kap.

See Also: 

Holiday Gift Guide for Football-Obsessed Kids

Holiday Gift Guide for Female Football Fans

Know Your Rights Tee (Colin Kaepernick Official Site)

This is THE iconic shirt Michael Bennett, Eric Reid and other players regularly wear during pregame warmups. The shirt lists the rights that Kaepernick is preaching to youth in underprivileged as part of his Know Your Rights camps. (All proceeds fund the camps)

$27.99 Shop This

Fist Up Premium Tee (Amazon)

We love the neat intersection of Kaepernick’s raised fist with his number.Subtle yet effective. This premium tee comes in a bevy of colors.

$21 Shop This

African-American Heroes Tee (Etsy)

Kap supporters and students of history will get chills seeing this bold tee that includes the inspirational luminaries from Martin Luther King to John Carlos.

$24.99+ Shop This

They Have Names Tee (Spread Shirt)

When Kaepernick was photographed for his recent QB Man of the Year spread, he insisted on only wearing black designers. NYC designer Kerby Jean-Raymond did not want to re-sell the iconic t-shirts which listed many of those killed by police violence. For Kaepernick he created “Even More Names.” You can have the original.

$26. 99 Shop This

Kaepernicking Tee (Human)

Before the protesting, before the Jim Tomsula era, before Cam Newton’s dabfest, Kaepernick had a swagger move to match his stellar play on the field.

$23.99 Shop This

Bonus

Take a Knee Canvas (Zazzle)

A stylish way to let your guests know who and what you stand for. This 15 X 22 canvas will stand out as a conversation piece in any room.

$143.10 Shop This

(Some of these items contain affiliate links.)

The post 2017 TFG Holiday Gift Guide: For Those Who Stand With Colin Kaepernick appeared first on The Football Girl.

NFL Match Game (Amazon)

Your kid will be building the mental skills of Justin Tucker while simultaneously learning all 32 teams.

$25 Shop This

Vikings Laundry Basket (oBedding)

Watch your kids magically love straightening up their rooms! Just like Case Keenum to Adam Thielen, your kid will chuck her dirty socks into her new laundry basket with jaw-dropping precision.

$14.24 Shop This

Football Guys Play Set (Amazon)

We love this tactical, low maintenance way for young kids to play football without playing football. Also great for teaching positions and rules to older kids. 

$24.99 Shop This

Flying High by Julian Edelman (JE 11)

Patriots fans without kids will want to create them immediately just to read this adorable tale of perseverance that stars a squirrel named “Jules and a goat named “Tom.” Get it?

$19.99 Shop This

Favorite Player Bobblehead (NFLShop.com)

Have you ever met a kid who didn’t like bobbleheads? Neither have we.

$29.99 Shop This

Football Mug (Amazon)

The only time it’s ok to let your kids play with food! They’ll have a blast flicking field goals with marshmallows, blueberries and other imitation footballs. 

$24 Shop This

Football Crayons (Etsy)

Why stick to regular crayolas when your little ones can create art with footballs? These crayons make a great stocking stuffer – and you can’t beat the price point! 

$4.50 Shop This

Russell Wilson (or any player) t-shirt (Five Hundred Level)

The NFLPA’s apparel line offers an array of stylish apparel that features your kid’s favorite player. Seriously, there are at least 15 Russell Wilson options. We love how these shirts give kids a more personalized experience than jerseys –  and they’re MUCH cheaper!  

$18.99 Shop This

Mascot Slippers (NFLShop.com)

We love how these slippers make the mascot of your kid’s favorite team all the more lifelike. Besides, all kids should start learning how to wear slippers as soon as possible. Note: These slippers come are available for most teams.

$24.99 Shop This

Talking Football (Amazon)

This interactive football makes cute, age-appropriate comments as your child catches and throws. One doting reviewer says this football kept her kid entertained on a long car ride.

$19.99 Shop This

(Some of the gifts above contain affiliate links.)

The post 2017 TFG Holiday Gift Guide: For Football-Obsessed Kids appeared first on The Football Girl.

Our first guide focuses on 46% of the NFL’s fan base and the larger percentage that make up the readership of this site – women!  There are plenty of gifts that contain pink or glitter. We strategically shied away from those. Instead we focused on gifts that we think will delight the senses, with a slight emphasis on feminine flair.

Please look out for more TFG Holiday Gift Guides in the coming days.

Ani and Alex Bangle Bracelet (Amazon)

A perfect way to accessorize with your favorite team without being too showy. We love how this bracelet literally works with any outfit.

Prices varies. Shop This

Beer Can Candle (Etsy)

Enjoy the double endorphins that will come from simultaneously lighting your team on fire after a heartbreaking loss, all while enjoying an enchanting aroma.

$14.99 Shop This

Packers Conquerer Boots (Fanatics)

These toasty boots are available for every team but we love the contrast of the criss-crossed yellow elastic bands with the green base. Plus the furry liming looks scrumptious – oh so perfect for Lambeau. 

$82.49 Shop This

You Negotiate Like a Girl (Amazon)

Former Raiders CEO Amy Trask started breaking glass ceilings 20 years ago for football girls everywhere. Her tales of working with Al Davis are incredibly compelling and inspiring.

$17.64 Shop This

Bears V-Neck Sweater (NFLShop.com)

This could be considered an ugly Christmas sweater if it weren’t so awesome. Seriously, this Bear is adorable and if you stare at it long enough you realize it makes the same face as the far less adorable John Fox on 4th and short yardage situation.

$69.99 Shop This

Football Shaped Cutting Board (Amazon)

No woman should be told to go back in the kitchen. But this board is perfect for those who actually like all that the kitchen entails – and it serves as a stark reminder to stay out of the kitchen on Sundays (and Monday nights and Thursday nights).

$19.99 Shop This

Curated Gift Box (Fan Chest)

One-time “chest” full of carefully selected goodies from your favorite NFL team. Buyers can select a women’s t-shirt size to make ensure that its female-friendly. We especially love the sharp packaging.

$59 Shop This

Tough Football Mom T-Shirt (Design By Humans)

The badass message on this shirt is pretty self-explanatory. We love that it comes in so many desirable colors. P.S. Football moms, one of our next gift guides will focus on the kiddies!

$24 Shop This

Raiders Socks (Amazon)

This houndstooth socks are super stylish on their own but the Raiders insignia will look so cute peeking out of boots.

$8.63 Shop This

Football Throw Pillow (Zazzle)

We’re obsessed with the prominent lacing of this pillow and the way it announces to guests that they have entered a football-loving zone.

$31.35 Shop This

(Note: Some of the links listed above affiliate links.)

The post 2017 TFG Holiday Gift Guide: For Women Who Love Football appeared first on The Football Girl.

This week’s Featured Football Girl is Amina Hussein, Coordinating Producer, Sunday NFL Countdown. Hussein talks about her meteoric rise at ESPN, the trash talking she engages in with one particular ESPN analyst, and the coolest celebrity she’s met – a name you likely wouldn’t guess in a million years.

Hussein (far right) on the set of NFL Live at Super Bowl XLV

Melissa Jacobs: Tell me about the job of a Coordinating Producer?

Amina Hussein:  As a Coordinating Producer I oversee the entire production of the show (most recently, NFL Live) The staff ranges from the producers, associate producers, production assistants and the of course, the talent/analysts. Along with the oversight of personnel, I am also accountable and responsible for the quality of the content that we produce – It’s my job to make sure that we are editorially correct on a daily basis.

MJ:  Take us down the Amina Hussein career path.  How did you get to this point?

AH:  As I think about my path, I have to laugh because a lot like me, it was not traditional. I was fortunate enough to land a great internship at KNBR radio in San Francisco, and soon after graduation I was hired full time. I did everything from producing the Morning Drive show, afternoon show with Rod Brooks, Warriors, San Francisco Giants pre and post game shows and my favorite…the Raiders pre and post game show.

For those who know me and my love for the Oakland Raiders, this was my dream job! Granted it was not easy producing a post game show after the infamous tuck rule or the Super Bowl blowout….(I still remember that sick feeling in my stomach when I was told by a few of the offensive linemen the Saturday before the Super Bowl that Barrett Robbins was missing….really??? Not this weekend, not the day before the Super Bowl!)  Needless to say, that was my last Raiders post game show…I had to go, it was too emotional.

And go I did…..all the way to Bristol, Connecticut. I took a job as a radio producer where I worked for nearly two years before I applied for a job as a Talent Producer on the television side.  As a Talent Producer I worked primarily on the 6pm ET SportsCenter, booking guests for the show. My role expanded to the NFL and I worked my first Super Bowl for television in 2006 in Detroit. I believe that experience is what drove me establish myself as a top Talent Producer and eventually led to my next role as Talent Producer Manager, where I oversaw a small staff of Talent Producers that serviced virtually every show.

My work establishing the Talent Producer group as an important department within studio production led me to another opportunity within ESPN. In 2008, I became a Coordinating Producer and helped to launch the morning SportCenters. This was a huge step in my career, and I learned from some of the best television producers in the business. After a little over two years on SportsCenter, my passion for the NFL, and an opportunity, led to my move from SportsCenter to NFL Live. (and, now in the fall, Sunday NFL Countdown!)

MJ:  You mentioned being a fan of the Silver and Black. First off, I’m sorry.  Second, how much razzing on the NFL Live set have you received for your allegiance?

AH:  Well, they all know I’m a diehard Raiders fan, and through good, bad and ugly I root for my team.  So yes, I set myself up for some razzing – but trust me I give it back!  I work with Tedy Bruschi on a regular basis and as much as I respect him as a person, and analyst, he was there that day in the snow. So I still tell him when it comes up “IT WAS A FUMBLE,” and yes he talks trash right back! I know, I know, it was like nine years ago. I still haven’t gotten over it.

MJ:  How difficult is it to keep up with all the new analysts? Is there actually a max number that ESPN would hire or is just infinity? 

AH:  Well, as ESPN Continues to grow, so does the need for NFL. Our fans, like myself can’t get enough football. Of course I am biased, but I feel that we have the best in the business, and when they are here in Bristol, they work hard. The guys not only appear on TV but also radio, podcasts, ESPN.com, local ESPN sites; the daily requests are endless.  I work really hard to make sure they do a number of different platforms and still have enough time to prepare for NFL Live. Every morning we have a meeting at 10am, which is a football fans dream – except during the lockout. (I actually do this for a living!)  All the guys are great, and I have developed good working relationships with all of them, which makes it easy to do my job.

MJ:  What advantages and/or disadvantages have you found being the “female boss” of former NFL athletes and coaches who come from a world where female peers, let alone managers are nonexistent?   

AH:  In my current role, I really don’t feel that I have any disadvantages. I have been successful as a Coordinating Producer and every role I have had at ESPN, and I can honestly say I have always been able to be myself everyday. The analysts respect me as well as the staff. I was also lucky enough to work with/for Stephanie Druley, who advanced through the ranks to lead NFL studio production before accepting the Vice President of Production job with Longhorn Network this year. She set the precedent for women working on the NFL at ESPN. I began working on the NFL because of her, and she had a big role in my move this fall to Sunday NFL Countdown.

MJ:  What’s the coolest event you’ve attended by virtue of your job?

AH:  So many….Super Bowls, ESPY’s, Michael Jordan’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. My goal is to go to every NFL Stadium. I have about fifteen more to go. Also, I have never been to Canton, it’s on my bucket list!

MJ:  Coolest athlete or celebrity you’ve met?

AH:  So many, I’m not sure the coolest. I know meeting Marcus Allen years ago was fantastic; he’s the reason I became a Raider fan. I won’t comment on the end of his Raider career – still not sure what happened!   I usually never get excited about meeting athletes, but when Chris Mullin was in the same line as me at the Bristol Café, I had a moment…..I was excited and proceeded to tell him I was a big fan, raised in Oakland and about my RUN T-M-C poster growing up. I know, awkward.

MJ:  What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps? (And who doesn’t?)

AH:  Always do your research. If you are covering a game, or working on a show, you should always be prepared.  At work, ask questions and be present, especially in meetings. You have a voice – use it! In any organization, know the organization and personnel, whether it’s the company you work for or the team you are covering. And make sure they know you and your work.  Lastly, have a mentor and be a mentor.

MJ:  And finally, if you could ask Al Davis one question, what would it be? 

AH:  What really happened between you and Marcus Allen? Doubt I’d get an answer. So I’d ask him if the Raiders will move back to LA. Doubt I get an answer with that one either. So I’d ask about Nnamdi’s contract…how did that happen and why?  I would have been disappointed if it was a trade, but at least we would have gotten something. Geez ……ok I’m done

The post FFG: Amina Hussein, Coordinating Producer for ESPN’s Sunday Countdown appeared first on The Football Girl.

As Arizona readies for its first Super Bowl since 2008, and third overall, I met with Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee CEO, Jay Parry over the holidays.

Parry’s path to this prestigious role started at Bank of America, where she worked in a variety of marketing functions and eventually oversaw sponsorships.  After 17 years with BofA, she moved back to Phoenix to lead the WNBA’s Mercury as their President and CEO before transitioning to the Phoenix Suns as Senior Vice President of Brand and Business Development.  Then the Super Bowl Committee opportunity arose, and the culmination of Parry and her team’s work over the past two years will come to fruition in the coming weeks.

We chatted about what to expect for those descending on Phoenix, a certain controversial bill that some thought could cause the NFL to pivot locations, and advice Parry has for those who want to follow in her tracks.

How do you determine whether or not a Super Bowl is considered successful from a host committee standpoint?

For Arizona, we have three primary goals. The first is to use the intense and worldwide interest in the Super Bowl to really tell the Arizona story, create the Arizona brand and use that as an enormous commercial for Arizona.

The second goal is to create economic impact.  That comes in a number of different ways at a number of different levels. One example is our unique CEO Forum where we’re inviting fifty CEOs from around the world to come to Super Bowl. We’ll then have a weekend curriculum learning about Arizona as a place to build and grow your business because we have such a pro-business environment. We have room to grow so we have a really unique story in that way.

Our third goal is to leave a positive, lasting legacy. The NFL is so committed to supporting the local host community for Super Bowl, whether that’s from a foundation standpoint and giving to nonprofits or supporting small business to accelerate their skills so they’re ready to take on Super Bowl contracts.

Last year, I remember getting off the train at Penn Station in New York the Monday before the Super Bowl and there was virtually nothing to indicate it was a special week. I heard it was the same at the airports. Are you going to have a welcome program at Sky Harbor for travelers to the Super Bowl?

We will have volunteers. It’s funny, I was talking to someone about this the other day, about what New York did well and could improve upon, and they said, ‘The one thing that struck me was when I got off the plane I thought I would feel like I was coming to Super Bowl.’  They just didn’t have that included in their program.

I don’t know if you saw any of our signage already up in the airport, we have a countdown clock in Terminal 4, and we’ll have greeters and ambassadors there because we do really do want you to have a warm greeting to frame your experience.

You must have been excited when the after months of speculation, Katy Perry was officially announced as the halftime act.

Oh, definitely. I got so many questions about it for so long. ‘Is it Katy? Is it Katy Perry?”

But it’s wonderful to have that news out there. All these announcements over the fall, as you know, kept the interest up, kept it all fresh. Hopefully you saw our super-sized football out front.

I did. I already tweeted out a picture.

Good job. So it’s all about keeping the event top of mind with people.

About a year ago, Arizona’s SB-1062, considered by many an anti-gay bill became a major media story and there were rumors the NFL may have pulled out had the bill not been vetoed by Governor Brewer. What was your mindset at the time?

It’s interesting. I learned a couple of things. When that bubbled up, it all happened really quickly. There was so much attention that was really self-generated from the media asking, “What’s the impact on the Super Bowl?” It really reminded me what an enormous platform Super Bowl is and so I wasn’t looking to make a comment to the media around 1062.

Talking to all our stakeholders, the host committee really mirrors the NFL’s values in terms of wanting to be inclusive and not have any discrimination. In polling our stakeholders, they all thought the bill would impact us negatively from a business standpoint, and would be a setback on the international stage. So we were not supportive and we shared that with our local elected officials, after they asked us.

Did they ask for your support or your stance?

They really asked up for our stance. So that was going on, and concurrently the business community rallied quickly and they were opposed to the bill.

Were you concerned the NFL would pull out?

There were not any direct conversations with the league about them taking action. They wanted to see how it played out.  That was really what happened. There wasn’t a threat from the NFL. They just wanted it to play it out and see what made sense at that point.

But there had to be a big exhale when the bill was shot down.

Oh my gosh, there was an ENORMOUS exhale. You don’t realize how much turmoil there is within the community until it’s over, and yes, it was an enormous exhale.

Aside from the climate and general makeup of the two cities, what can you say will be the biggest differences in the fan experience between Phoenix and New York?

The great thing about the Valley is that we have set it up so that the epicenter of Super Bowl activities will be in Downtown Phoenix at Super Bowl Central. We’re creating a twelve-block campus that will really take over downtown. It will be next to the NFL Experience on one side, and NFL House and some other NFL activation on the other. We’re really using space to our advantage for all those activities. Our wow factor won’t be a toboggan, it will be more Arizona-centric as opposed to snow-centric.

The other thing we’re doing which is slightly different is having a website and programming for our Hispanic community. With the Arizona population being over 30% Hispanic, we wanted to make sure they were invited to the Super Bowl Party and felt included. We also wanted to showcase positive trade relations with Mexico. So we’ve identified some Mexico-based businesses that we’d love to partner with and we’ve had a lot of momentum there too.

Your path is so unique. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be the next you?

What I’ve loved about my career is I got so much exposure working for Bank of America in a large corporate environment with a lot of resources and challenges. I think getting into places where you can get great experience and exposed to different situations is really important. Then I also think it’s important to do something you’re really excited about.  Just to do something you enjoy makes it so much easy to accomplish your goals and be excited about the people you work with.

Surround yourself with great people.

What’s next for you?

That is a great question. I’m open to ideas. I have one of those careers where there wasn’t a grand scheme and it’s worked out great. I’ll just see what happens next.

The post FFG: Jay Parry appeared first on The Football Girl.

Bio

Former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader! Current Los Angeles Lakers scout!

Even though she is a San Francisco native, Bonnie-Jill Laflin has had no problem making the Lakers her favorite basketball team now that she has become the NBA’s first female scout for the Los Angeles Lakers and Assistant General Manager for the new Lakers D League Team the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

Bonnie-Jill Laflin, who is a former correspondent for ESPN’s morning show “Cold Pizza” (now First Take) and cast member of Spike TV’s “Hotlines”, is one of the most successful and sexiest professional cheerleaders the entire world of sports has ever produced…So much so, that she is probably one of the very few people to be presented with a Super Bowl ring (San Francisco 49ers 1994-95) and three NBA Championship rings (L.A. Lakers 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02) for her extensive work assisting the general manager and the scouts during the NBA draft. Recently voted as one of FHM Magazine’s “Most Eligible, and MAXIM Magazine’s “HOT 100” the athletic beauty is combining the two loves in her life…fashion and sports. Bonnie-Jill is the founder and CEO of the hottest new clothing line to be sweeping the NBA, Double Play Sportswear, You can hear her on Sporting News Radio and see her on the Emmy-winning KCAL-TV (CBS’s sister station in Los Angeles) as a correspondent for the Los Angeles Lakers.. Also look for Bonnie-Jill hosting the DVD content on the Midway Games release, “NBA Ballers”. You may recognize Bonnie-Jill in the most popular commercial of this Super Bowl “Fed Ex” with Burt Reynolds.

Her big break came just before her 18th birthday, when she was selected to the Golden State Warriors’ cheerleading squad – being named in her first year by the NBA as Cheerleader of the Year. A year later, Bonnie-Jill was accepted to the San Francisco 49ers Goldrush Cheerleading squad, earning that season her most prized possession, a Super Bowl ring. For the next season, she was one of 1,300 girls vying for one of only 13 available spots on “America’s Sweethearts”, otherwise known as the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading team – an intense two-week competition and tryouts – eventually becoming a member of the renowned squad. Becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader has helped the beauty get modeling jobs for swimsuit calendars that eventually got her noticed by casting agents and producers.

Bonnie-Jill landed a recurring role on Baywatch after the show’s casting director spotted her layouts in a calendar. However, Laflin is familiar to most television viewers who may not be sports fans from her memorable four episode guest appearances on Ally McBeal, playing “Billy’s” dream girl. She also made guest appearances on Nash Bridges and The Jaime Foxx Show. Look for her in the upcoming film National Lampoons “Last Guy On Earth” and as a cast member in George Clooney’s new show on HBO “NBA Unscripted”

A trained dancer, Bonnie-Jill had been featured in music videos for artists such as Creed, Dwight Yoakam, Little Texas and Dierks Bentley “Come a Little Closer” which was named “Sexiest Music Video”. Frederick’s of Hollywood knew they had struck gold when she walked through their door and they have been using her as one of their own sexy sirens ever since. The pretty face and heavenly body of this former Miss Dallas-Fort Worth USA have also launched Bonnie-Jill into the advertising world – having been featured in Nike, Wrangler, Fritos, McDonalds, Carl’s Jr., Fed Ex, Bacardi, Coors, Miller Genuine Draft and Budweiser ads. The beauty, has been featured in Maxim, Stuff, FHM, Unleashed, OYE, Fitness Rx, Muscle and Fitness, Player, Razor, Sports Illustrated and many other magazines.

A native of San Francisco, Bonnie-Jill currently resides in the Los Angeles area with her Chihuahua/Boston Terrier mix, Diamond, and her two cats, Dallas and Johnny Cash. In her spare time, which does not amount to much these days, she prefers horseback riding, boxing, rollerblading, and running. She is very involved with many charities and donates her time to the ASPCA, Special Olympics, PETA, American Horse Defense Fund, Soldier Fund, Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund, visiting war veterans in the VA hospitals and supporting the troops overseas and in the US. She just returned from a USO tour in Iraq in the heart of the war zone. The sportscaster also follows the NFL, NBA and MLB daily stats as well as her racehorses (Lil’ Miss Hollywood and Dancin’ Deputy) – about the only remnants left from her tomboy days.

Source: IMBD

The post Bonnie-Jill Laflin appeared first on The Football Girl.