The presence of Latina reporters in the NFL has been limited but is gradually increasing. This season, the Denver Broncos have made history by hiring Elisa Hernandez as their first Latina team reporter, despite having a diverse fan base for years.
Elisa Hernandez, originally from Los Angeles, has become a vital part of the Broncos’ efforts to connect with Latino fans through various outreach programs and community events. The team recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with their Vamos Broncos event at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium.
Hernandez carries a remarkable personal story. She grew up in a family of four in Los Angeles, often assisting her father with cleaning apartments to help support the family. Her parents immigrated from El Salvador during the Salvadoran Civil War, and while she was born in California, she is acutely aware of the challenges they faced.
Her passion for sports was a unifying force in her family, and she became a fan of the Denver Broncos after the Los Angeles area lost its NFL team in the late 1990s. “Being able to do what I love for the team that I’ve loved since I was a little kid is pretty special,” Hernandez expressed.
Hernandez faced challenges on her journey to becoming a team reporter. After graduating from USC, she started in entry-level positions while many peers secured on-camera roles immediately. “I didn’t get discouraged,” she noted, opting to learn the industry’s behind-the-scenes workings. Her first job was as a ticker operator, handling the scrolling text on TV screens.
Her determination led her to work with various sports teams in Los Angeles and different media networks, including the NFL Network and Telemundo Deportes. Most recently, she was an in-arena host for the Los Angeles Dodgers, where she hosted the inaugural Salvadoran night at Dodger Stadium, a significant achievement for her.
Hernandez emphasizes the importance of representation, particularly for young girls who may see themselves in her. “Seeing little brown girls there, watching me on the Jumbotron, and hearing our slang — it impacts them,” she said.
As a first-generation Salvadoran, Hernandez aims to inspire others by being a trailblazer as the Broncos’ first Salvadoran team reporter. “I think being able to have this platform, I do it for them. They are my why. My family is my why. Representing my country, heritage and culture is important,” she stated.