Arizona Cardinals Make History, Hire First NFL Female Coach

Picture Courtesy of azcardinals.com

By Francisco Romero. –  Jen Welter started playing football 15 years ago.  It was then when she knew it was her calling. 

On Tuesday she was introduced by the Arizona Cardinals as one of seven interns that will work throughout training camp.  She will work with inside linebackers throughout the preseason.

“I believed as soon as I started playing football that that was my destiny, I didn’t know what that meant, but I knew that God had put me on a path and that I had to be smart enough to put my head down, go to work and let him put me to work,” said Welter during an introductory press conference.

When she started playing football, the thought of one day coaching in the NFL did not cross her mind. 

Her first check as a professional player was for $12 dollars.

“I didn’t start playing football to be here, I didn’t even dream that is was possible.  I think the beauty of this is that it was a dream I could not ever had and it is a dream that other girls can have,”

Now is a reality, she will be working for an NFL team and although the internship is only for the preseason, she would like to continue beyond that.

“My expectations are to learn from the very best in football, I am so blessed to be surrounded by these guys,” said Welter, “My dream would be staying on,” she added.

As of now she will jump in to work in Quarterback school with rookies on Wednesday, as the rest of the players report to camp on Friday.

One thing is for sure, that she has full support of Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians.

“I knew this was the type of person I was looking for,” said Arians during the press conference. 

Welter played and coached for the Texas Revolution football team, becoming the first woman to coach a men’s professional team.