Kylan Darnell is Making Football More Accessible Using Makeup Terms
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In an exclusive feature, influencer Kylan Darnell is on a mission to make football more accessible for everyone, especially women. The rising star from the University of Alabama has gained widespread attention for her innovative approach to teaching football through makeup terms in a new TikTok series.
Known for her viral social media videos during sorority rush season, Darnell took the internet by storm with a video explaining the rules of football for “baddie ball-knower girls.” Her TikTok video, posted on Sept. 5, has received over 200,000 likes. In the video, she creatively compares football positions like quarterbacks to foundation and tight ends to contour, making it easier for visual learners to grasp the game’s fundamentals.
Darnell’s aim is to include those who may have previously felt excluded from football conversations. She shared, “If you’ve ever felt left out of the game because you didn’t know the ins and outs, I’m here to help you tag along and enjoy the experience.” The positive response to her makeup-based football explanations inspired her to create a series, continuing to educate and engage her audience.
Speaking with PEOPLE, Darnell shared the inspiration behind her video idea. It all started on an Alabama football game day when she noticed her friends, who felt lost during games, struggling to follow the action. Drawing from her passion for the sport and desire to empower young women, she found a unique way to make football relatable by comparing it to makeup terms that resonate with many.
Although sports broadcasting is her major and a lifelong passion, Darnell’s online presence initially didn’t portray this side of her. The overwhelming support and encouragement she received for her sports-themed content have boosted her confidence. Her dream of broadcasting with ESPN and College GameDay now feels more attainable, thanks to the positive feedback she’s received.
Darnell attributes her love for sports to her father, who nurtured her passion from a young age. Her dad’s support and enthusiasm for the game created a special bond between them, with football becoming a cherished way to connect and spend time together. Even now, her father serves as a reliable consultant, ensuring the accuracy of her sports-related explainers.
Apart from sports, Darnell’s expertise in makeup, cultivated during her time as a pageant contestant, enhances her ability to draw parallels between football and beauty. Her proficiency in both fields allows her to craft engaging content that bridges the gap between sports and pop culture, attracting a broader audience to the world of football.
As she looks ahead to her graduation and potential career as a sports broadcaster, Darnell envisions bringing a fresh perspective to sports reporting that blends culture, style, and personality. Her goal is to make sports media more inclusive and enjoyable, showing that knowledge and fun can coexist in sports coverage.
Through her TikToks, Darnell hopes to continue igniting interest in football among women and expand her creative endeavours to demystify other sports. Her commitment to making sports accessible and enjoyable for everyone exemplifies her dedication to empowering and educating her audience.
In conclusion, Kylan Darnell’s innovative approach to teaching football through makeup terms is not only entertaining but also a testament to her commitment to inclusivity and education in the world of sports. She is breaking down barriers and inspiring a new generation of fans to engage with football in a fun and relatable way.