JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — GO GIRLS!
Jacksonville football standout Keilani Contreras is featured in a new national commercial celebrating women and girls changing sports.
Action News Jax first told you about Contreras last year when she became the first girl in the history of the Arlington Football Association to score a touchdown.
The ESYFL, a local spring youth football league, said at the time she was the second girl in the league’s existence to score a touchdown. Her parents told us that Contreras wasn’t only a football player, but a gifted artist, and a straight-A student.
Contreras’ history-making football story caught the attention of former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer.
“What a story! Congratulations on your first touchdown, Keilani!” said Coach Meyer on Twitter. “You’re right, you should always go for your dreams! If fans are allowed at training camp this summer I want you and your teammates to come out and be our special guests.”
Shortly after the Jags surprised Contreras with her very own custom jersey and donated brand new helmets to her whole team. Former Jaguars linebacker Kevin Hardy spoke to the young athletes, offering advice about proper tackling and form.
#NEW: Today the @Jaguars gifted Keilani Contreras, 11, her very own custom Jaguars jersey!
— Ryan Nelson (@RyanNelsonTV) April 9, 2021
Her history-making football story even caught the eye of @CoachUrbanMeyer last week.
She wears #8 on gamedays in honor of her best friend who died at age eight in January. @ActionNewsJax https://t.co/E7aSZTCMXr pic.twitter.com/uRwFoc6Puo
Recently, Contreras’ story again got some attention, but this time it was PepsiCo-owned company Frito-Lay looking to feature standout female athletes in a new national campaign.
“After more than 125 years as one of sport’s most iconic snacks, Cracker Jack® is adding a new face to its roster, with the introduction of Cracker Jill™ to celebrate the women who break down barriers in sports,” the company said in a statement.
Watch the commercial here:
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