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Dr. Jen Welter made history by becoming the first female coach in the NFL when she was hired this summer by the Arizona Cardinals. She is a linebackers coach. Dr. Jen has a doctorate in psychology. Before her NFL position, she was a running back and then coach with the Texas Revolution in the Indoor Football League. She played rugby in college and was a professional football player for 14 years, including time in the Women’s Football Alliance.
The Girl’s Guide to Swagger interviewed Dr. Jen when she was with the Texas Revolution. Here is what she had to say about why she loves her sport and how to get started. Image may be NSFW.
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Why I love my sport
Tackle football is the ultimate team sport. It is truly the place where everybody of every body type can be great. Diversity is strength in football. I grew up loving the sport, but being told I could not play football, so playing is literally a dream come true.
How to get started
It’s easy, go in the back yard and learn how to catch and throw with parents and/ or friends. When you decide you want to play look for a team, like a flag team. 20% of all flag participants are girls now!
Overcoming fears
Get great coaching, then trust your coaching. Focus on what you need to do, in that moment to be successful. When trust your coaching and try your best, you are a winner no matter what the outcome! My whole career I have been told what I couldn’t do, and the only thing I couldn’t do was quit, because if I quit, I would have proved them right.
Advice to girls and women who are interested in this sport
Get great coaching and focus on doing your job. If you want to play a sport that is primarily considered a boys sport, then don’t expect special treatment because you are a girl. Be a great teammate and they will respect you whether or not you are a girl.
Accomplishments or personal bests
Made history in 2014 as the first female running back in men’s professional football.
2013 finished my PhD and was selected for Team USA for the 2nd time.
2010 selected for the first Team USA in the IFAF Women’s World Championship,
14 seasons total women’s professional football.
Basic equipment/clothing to get started
A football, cleats, & friends. (Then add shoulder pads and helmets later)
Read more about Dr. Jen’s on her website and her hiring as a coach for the NFL Arizona Cardinals here.
“I feel like the league is changing, and we’re seeing this in our lifetimes. Gay players, women coaches – it’s kind of cool to be a part of it. Whether you are a women or a dude, if we’re doing our thing and getting better as a team, I’m all for it.”
Kevin Minter, inside linebacker, Arizona Cardinal