Watch CBS News

Arizona Cardinals Hire NFL's First Female Coach

The NFL is making moves to change history and the NFC Arizona Cardinals are leaving their mark on the frontlines of that change.

The Cardinals have added Jen Welter to their coaching staff.  Welter is believed to be the first woman ever hired as an NFL coach, reports CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano.

The football veteran, Jen Welter has been hired for their upcoming training camp. Welter holds a master's degree in sports psychology and a doctorate in psychology, but for the Cardinals, it's her knowledge of the game of football that makes her qualified to coach.

"She's got a doctorate, she's got 14 years of playing experience doing professional football and since she played the game, she clearly knows the game," azcardinals.com senior writer Darren Urban said.

The 37-year-old played professionally for a women's team based in Dallas. Welter has also worked with the Texas Revolution Indoor League where she was the first ever to play toe-to-toe with the men. She then joined that team as an assistant coach.

Although progress is slow, women are making their mark in the competitive world of men's major professional sports. Just a few weeks ago, Becky Hammon became the first woman to lead a team (San Antonio Spurs) in an NBA summer league game.

Check out the full story and video here. 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.