NFL
Has a woman ever played in the NFL?
Football in America is seen by most from a male-orientated perspective, which is not surprising given the opportunities given thus far. But is it changing?
Since its inception, the National Football League has been a male-dominated arena, with women primarily taking on roles outside of the playing field. Despite the growth of women’s participation in sports and the breaking down of gender barriers, the question remains: has a woman ever played in an NFL game?
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No woman has played in NFL
As of the current records available, no woman has stepped onto an NFL field as a player for any of the league’s 32 franchises. The stringent physical demands of the game, which often require players to stand over 6 feet tall and weigh more than 200 lbs, have contributed to the lack of female representation on NFL rosters. Additionally, the talent pool, while expanding, still predominantly consists of male athletes who have pursued football as a career.
There is, of course, the NFL’s Women’s Forum, a program designed to put women with aspirations for a career in the league in the same room with NFL decision makers.
Women in football: the pioneers
The journey towards women’s inclusion in professional football began with pioneering efforts. In August 1970, Patricia Paliankas marked a significant milestone by becoming the first woman to play professional football. However, her accomplishment was achieved outside of the NFL. Similarly, Liz Heaston etched her name in history in October 1997, as the first woman to play and score in a college football game. Her role as a placekicker with the Willamette Bearcats in the NAIA demonstrated the potential for women in football.
Although women’s participation in the NFL has not materialized in actual games, there have been notable instances that brought them closer to breaking the barrier. Lauren Silberman’s tryout with the NFL in 2013 stands as a historic event. Silberman, with a background in soccer, lacrosse, tennis, and basketball, took part in an NFL Regional Scouting Combine, showcasing her kicking skills. Despite her limited football experience, Silberman’s presence highlighted the growing interest of women in professional football.
The potential for female kickers in the NFL has also been explored. Athletes like Becca Longo, Julie Harshbarger, and Katie Hnida have made strides in the world of American football. Longo’s achievement as the first female football kicker to earn a college football scholarship at the Division II level or higher to an NCAA school shattered ceilings. Harshbarger’s history-making field goal in Indoor football underscored the expanding opportunities for women in the sport. Hnida’s feat as the first woman to score in an NCAA Division I-A game further showcased women’s abilities on the field.
Carli Lloyd, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Player of the Year, captured NFL teams’ attention with her impressive field goal kicks during a training session involving the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens in 2019. Her skill set demonstrated that women possess the physical capabilities required for success in the NFL. However, Lloyd’s soccer commitments prevented her from pursuing the opportunity further.
While the NFL remains a male-dominated competition on the field, women are making strides in various off-field roles within the league. Figures like Amy Trask and Dawn Aponte have held significant positions, contributing to the management and administration of NFL teams. The involvement of women in scouting, contract negotiation, and other vital areas is gradually reshaping the landscape of professional football.
As we head into the 2023 NFL season, the dream of witnessing a woman play in the league still stands unfulfilled. However, the momentum created by trailblazers like Patricia Paliankas, Liz Heaston, Lauren Silberman, Becca Longo, and Carli Lloyd suggests that the possibility is no longer a distant fantasy. With the evolving landscape of sports and the continuous efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity, the day when the NFL welcomes its first female player may be closer than ever before. Until then, the legacy of these pioneering women serves as a testament to the determination and capability of female athletes in the world of football.