Jen Welter

Trailblazing player-coach who became the first woman to coach in a men's professional football league and the first female coaching intern in NFL history with the Arizona Cardinals.

Jennifer Welter was born in Vero Beach, Florida in 1977 and became a trailblazing figure in American football — the first woman to play a non-kicking position in men's professional football and the first female coach in NFL history. She played running back for the Texas Revolution in the Indoor Football League from 2014, earning a championship in both 2013 and 2014. In February 2015 she made history by playing in the Iron Men game — a men's professional indoor football game — as the first woman at a skill position. That same year the Arizona Cardinals appointed her as a coaching intern under head coach Bruce Arians, making her the first female coach in NFL history. She holds a PhD in psychology from Capella University. Her appointment generated international media coverage and opened a conversation about women's roles in professional sports beyond playing. She has since consulted on player development and been an advocate for inclusion in professional sport. She has spoken widely about breaking barriers for women in football and sport more broadly, and has been recognised by Sports Illustrated and Time magazine as a pioneer in American sport.

Linebacker - aggressive, intelligent defensive player with strong fundamentals

Pioneered opportunities for women in American football coaching and playing roles

• First female NFL coaching intern (Arizona Cardinals, 2015)
• first woman to coach a men's pro football league (Texas Revolution, 2015)
• first woman to play a non-kicking position in men's pro football (2014)
• 2x gold medalist, IFAF Women's World Championship (2010, 2013)

Team Career

Team	Period	Games
Texas Revolution	2014–2014	—
Dallas Diamonds	2000–2007	—
Boston Militia	2010–2012	—
Massachusetts Mutiny	2002–2003	—
Dallas Dragons	2004–2004	—
USA	—	2