The Arizona Cardinals have created NFL history by becoming the first team to name a female to a coaching position. The former linebackers coach at the Texas Revolution of the Arena Football League, Welter is used to being a pioneer of sorts as this year, she became the first female coach in a professional football league of any sort when the Revolution hired her.
Part of Welter’s rise in the coaching ranks probably stems from the fact that she has walked the walk, having played for the Revolution, where she became the first female to play non-kicking role in a men’s professional league, and with the Dallas Diamonds of the Women’s Football Alliance, winning 4 championships with them.
Asked for comment on the potential of a female among NFL coaching ranks earlier this year, head coach Bruce Arians had this to say on Monday with the news of the hiring:
“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.”
Welter will join the Cardinals, who ranked 5th in the league in total defense last season, and have the opportunity to prove she can do exactly that. A Ph. D. holder and licensed psychologist, she will be part of a coaching staff which includes former NFL players Bob Sanders, Larry Foote and recently hired Levon Kirkland.
The hiring is not permanent, and applies for the preseason. Following the conclusion of the preseason, it is not known yet what Welter’s status will be. The Cardinals have called for a press conference on Tuesday, where further details are expected.