It may be a small start towards a possible trend (you never know what's an anomaly and what's the beginning of something more) but the Arizona Cardinals have hired the first female coach in NFL history by deciding to bring on Jen Welter for Preseason Training Camp. Welter's initial position will be as the "training camp/preseason intern coaching inside linebackers," a position she acquired with a resume that includes a former position on the staff of the Indoor Football League's Texas Revolution, as well as 14 years of playing semi-pro football, and two gold medals courtesy of the International Federation of American Football's Women's World Championship.
In addition to those accolades, Welter already made history when, last year, she became the first woman ever to play a non-kicking position in a men's league by suiting up as a running back for the Revolution. She also contributed on Special Teams for the organization.
On Welter's hire, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said:
"Coaching is nothing more than teaching. One thing I have learned from players is, 'How are you going to make me better? If you can make me better, I don’t care if you're the Green Hornet, man, I'll listen.' I really believe she'll have a great opportunity with this internship through training camp to open some doors for her."
The Cardinals begin their Training Camp this Saturday. Should be an interesting story to follow (assuming you find NFL Training Camp interesting) throughout the month of August.
[via Arizona Cardinals]
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