Women in NFL History
Yes, women have played and coached in the NFL. While the league is overwhelmingly male, several women have broken barriers in coaching, scouting, and on-field roles. Their presence is documented by team records and league announcements.
Notable Female Players and Coaches
Kathryn Smith became the first full-time female coach in the NFL when the Buffalo Bills hired her as a quality control coach in 2016. In 2024, the league hired its first female full-time assistant coach for a regular-season team. On the player side, women have participated in tryouts, workouts, and training camps, though none have appeared in a regular-season game.
Current Opportunities and Visibility
Today, women work across NFL front offices, coaching staffs, and broadcasting teams. The league continues to expand pathways for female talent. For more details, see the official NFL page on women in football.
