Breaking: Raffensperger, who rebuffed Trump in 2020, runs for Georgia governor
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Cardinals break glass ceiling and hire first female coach in NFL history

By Cox Media Group National Content Desk
July 28, 2015

ExploreTrending on Facebook
ExploreMore popular and trending stories

A woman is breaking barriers on the gridiron.

The Arizona Cardinals have named Jen Welter as the first female coach in league history.

The team made the announcement on its Twitter page.

>>See the announcement here.

Welter is no stranger to the football field or sports in general.

According to the Cardinals, she has a master's degree in sport psychology and a PhD in psychology.

Welter is also the first female to play a non-kicking position in a men's pro football league. She played running back and on special teams for the indoor football league's Revolution in 2014. She won two gold medals for Team USA in the International Federation of American Football Women's World Championship in 2010 and 2013.

She has played 14 seasons of pro football, mostly for the Women's Football Alliance.

Welter will be an intern coach during training camp and preseason, working with inside linebackers.

Earlier this year, the NFL named Sarah Thomas the league's first full-time female official.

About the Author

Cox Media Group National Content Desk
More Stories

Keep Reading

Cornerback Keith Taylor was signed to the practice squad by the Falcons on Tuesday. (Atlanta Falcons Twitter)

Credit: Atlanta Falcons Twitter

Falcons add CB to practice squad

Keith Taylor was drafted by the Panthers in the fifth round of the 2021 draft. He has played with the Panthers and Chiefs.

A quick look at Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers

Coming off a big road win, the Falcons (1-1) are set to face the Panthers (0-2) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Former Falcons nominated for Pro Football Hall of Fame in seniors category

Eight Falcons stars from the 1960s through the 1990s were nominated. Four former UGA stars who played in the NFL, plus one from Tech, were also nominated.

The Latest

Cornerback Keith Taylor was signed to the practice squad by the Falcons on Tuesday. (Atlanta Falcons Twitter)

Credit: Atlanta Falcons Twitter

Falcons add CB to practice squad

A quick look at Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers

What the Falcons had to say after the 22-6 win over the Vikings

Featured

Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

Credit: NYT

Fani Willis loses last chance to stay at the helm of Trump Georgia election interference case

Georgia's top court declines to hear Fani Willis appeal in Trump case, meaning she can no longer pursue the election interference case.

Investigator: Ex-APD officer raped woman on duty, returned when she called 911

Fulton County Magistrate Judge Todd Ashley ruled there was enough evidence for the case to proceed against former officer Muhammad Muhammad.

Cobb County agency green lights tax break for Home Depot’s $140M project

The Development Authority of Cobb County voted 6-0 to give initial approval for Home Depot's request Tuesday but didn't disclose the property tax savings the company sought.