For many high school athletes, playing their sport in front of friends and family is already a big achievement, but for senior flag football player Jaylani Palmer, the spotlight got even brighter when she was featured in an NFL flag tournament commercial, putting not just her, but the sport itself in front of a larger audience.

Palmer’s passion for football started at a young age, long before commercials or tournaments were in the picture. 

“Since I can remember I grew up around football, I would go to the fields with my dad and watch him play. I’d see all the kids my age playing and I thought it looked so fun so I gained an interest in playing in a weekend league,” Palmer said.

When Palmer joined the league, the weekly games really did help her learn the game of football.

Being a part of a commercial is a very big thing, let alone an NFL commercial, it’s not an everyday occurrence, and Palmer recognizes how unique this opportunity is.

“I think it’s very cool and rare to be in a commercial, especially one that the NFL is trying to promote, so for that I’m very thankful,” she explained. “I do think that this shows some of the possibilities that flag is bringing girls all around the world.”

The commercial didn’t just make an impact on Palmer, it also got the attention of her entire community. 

Palmer explains, “Honestly all of my close friends and family sent either a video or a photo of me in the commercial whether they were at home or dining in a restaurant. I thought it was so cool that they were all tuning in and showing their support and I appreciated it a lot.”

Beyond her personal experience, Palmer sees her role as part of a much bigger movement. 

“I’m very thankful to play a part in growing flag football. There’s so many girls now joining the sport globally and to be someone they look up to on and off the field is a privilege and blessing to me,” Palmer expressed. 

What makes it more meaningful to Palmer herself, is the atmosphere of the sport. 

Palmer mentions, “Flag football has one of, if not the, most welcoming communities you could ask for. Just by joining this sport I’ve made life long friends that I talk to on an everyday basis.”

Palmer also hopes her story inspires others around her, especially young athletes in Las Vegas, to push themselves beyond what easy or familiar feels like. 

“I hope young athletes learn from my story that it’s important to always challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone, sometimes that means trying a new sport, a new position, or even a completely different hobby you never considered before. Growth comes when you take risks. Even if you don’t succeed right away, you’ll gain confidence, resilience, and new skills that will carry over into every part of your life — on and off the field,” Palmer stated. 

Looking ahead, Palmer is already setting goals beyond just high school. 

Palmer expresses, “I hope to finish off my senior year with another state win and continue to play flag football at a collegiate level, this sport doesn’t just help you grow as an athlete but it challenges you to be an even better individual.”