Bonnie-Jill Laflin's childhood was marked by her membership in the San Francisco Ballet, laying the foundation for her future career in the entertainment industry. She leveraged her physical attributes, dance training, and passion for sports to become a professional cheerleader, initially with the Golden State Warriors, where she won NBA Cheerleader of the Year.
Her subsequent move to the San Francisco 49ers Goldrush Cheerleading squad resulted in her earning a coveted Super Bowl ring. Laflin then relocated to Texas to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Texas. During her time at the university, she danced for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, even gracing the cover of their internationally renowned swimsuit calendar.
Upon moving to Los Angeles, Laflin became a feature reporter for the sports department of CBS stations, frequently covering the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers. Her work with CBS led to opportunities with ESPN, NFL Network, SPIKE-TV, and other prominent sports organizations, solidifying her reputation as a skilled host, reporter, and commentator.
Laflin's reporting on the Lakers caught the attention of Owner Jerry Buss, who was impressed by her keen eye and insightful analysis. This led to her becoming the first and only female scout in the NBA for the Lakers. Her success in this role was immediate, and the Lakers' Basketball Operations Department expanded her responsibilities to include Assistant General Manager for the team's Minor League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders.
Laflin's tenure with the Lakers resulted in her earning five NBA World Championship rings. Although her success in sports was undeniable, Los Angeles was reluctant to let her go, as she had become a successful model and actress, featured in publications such as FHM, Maxim, GQ, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated.
Her modeling career led to recurring roles on popular TV shows like "Baywatch" and "Ally McBeal." Laflin has appeared in numerous commercials, ad campaigns, and music videos, including six country music videos, one of which was named "Sexiest Video of the Year" by CMT. She has been recognized as one of the "Sexiest Women" by FXM and MAXIM.
In addition to her entertainment career, Laflin has hosted a Fantasy Football and Basketball show on Sirius/XM Satellite, as well as pre and post-game shows for the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns on ESPN Austin. She has written articles for ESPN.com and has made appearances as a contributor for Fox News.
Giving back is a vital aspect of Laflin's life. She is a dedicated supporter of the troops and has traveled to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries on 20 Goodwill and USO tours. She continues to visit veterans and wounded warriors at VA hospitals and is heavily involved in animal welfare issues, featuring in numerous national campaigns promoting compassion for all animals.
Laflin's philanthropic efforts have led her to establish her own charity, "Hounds and Heroes," which focuses on supporting both military and animal welfare causes. Currently, Laflin serves as a reporter for Fox Sports and BBC Sports.
