The variety of Latina reporters within the NFL is pretty restricted however has been on the rise lately. 

In Denver, regardless of the Denver Broncos’ wealthy historical past with a various fan base, the group has by no means had a Latina staff reporter. That was till this season once they employed Los Angeles native Elisa Hernandez.

Through the years, the staff has actively engaged Latino followers via outreach applications, group occasions and celebrations of Hispanic heritage.

The group hosted its Vamos Broncos occasion throughout Sunday’s house sport, a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Empower Discipline at Mile Excessive Stadium. 

Because the Broncos’ relationship with Latino followers grows steadily, bringing on a voice like Hernandez contributes to the staff’s vibrant tradition.

Nonetheless, you need to know Hernandez is greater than meets the attention.

“It feels surreal,” Hernandez advised CBS Colorado.

Hernandez grew up as considered one of 4 youngsters in Los Angeles, at instances serving to her father clear residences to make ends meet. “I by no means noticed it as something dangerous,” she recalled.

Her mother and father immigrated from El Salvador to the U.S. throughout the Salvadoran Civil Conflict, and though she was born in California, she understands their journey wasn’t straightforward. 

Sports activities, nevertheless, have been what really introduced her household collectively. Rising up within the “Metropolis of Angels” within the late Nineteen Nineties, Hernandez adopted the Denver Broncos, since Los Angeles did not have an NFL staff on the time.

“Having the ability to do what I like for the staff that I’ve beloved since I used to be slightly child is fairly particular,” Hernandez mentioned.

Hernandez’s path to her dream job as a staff reporter for the Broncos wasn’t facile. After graduating from USC, she seen a lot of her friends touchdown on-camera jobs straight away. “I did not get discouraged,” she mentioned.

As a substitute, Hernandez targeted on studying the business’s behind-the-scenes points. “I feel my first job on the NFL was a ticker operator,” she defined, reminiscing in regards to the job. “You realize, the scrolling textual content on the backside of TV screens that present scores and climate updates,” she laughed.

Regardless of taking a unique path, Hernandez understood one factor: Getting her foot within the door was key. 

“No matter what occurs, you simply need to get your foot within the door and work your approach as much as create alternatives for your self,” she added.

And that is precisely what she did, working for practically each sports activities staff in Los Angeles and all of the networks. Her resume extends from NFL Community to Telemundo Deportes.

Most just lately, Hernandez served as an in-arena host for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Main League Baseball. 

“I hosted the primary Salvadoran night time at Dodger Stadium, which was an enormous accomplishment for me,” Hernandez mentioned. “That illustration issues. Seeing little brown ladies there, watching me on the Jumbotron, and listening to our slang — it impacts them as a result of they see themselves in me!” 

For Hernandez, spreading her information of her tradition is important. Nonetheless, as a first-generation Salvadoran, she goals to pave the way in which for others like her — breaking limitations and turning into the Broncos’ first ever Salvadoran staff reporter.

“I feel with the ability to have this platform, I do it for them. They’re my why. My household is my why. Representing my nation, heritage and tradition is essential.”