The first woman to play professional American football — played as a holder for the Orlando Panthers in the Atlantic Coast Football League in 1970, over 50 years before the modern wave of female pioneers in the sport.
Patricia Palinkas made history on 15 August 1970 when she played as a holder for the Orlando Panthers of the Atlantic Coast Football League — becoming the first woman to play in a professional American football game. Her husband Steve Palinkas was the team's kicker and she served as his placeholder. She handled live snaps during the game and was tackled by a defensive lineman after running the ball. Her performance, which predated Title IX by two years, remains one of American sport's most significant gender integration milestones. Her 1970 appearance was not replicated in professional football for decades.
First woman to play professional American football (1970)
Career Honours
- First woman to play professional American football (1970)
- Pioneer of women in professional sport
- Historical first