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

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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.

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