Who is Dr. Jen Welter?
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NFL Pioneer, Athlete, Author, and Advocate for Women in Sports
Dr. Jen Welter is a trailblazer in the world of American football—an elite athlete, groundbreaking coach, author, and one of the most influential advocates for women in sports today. In 2015, she made history as the first female coach in the NFL, serving as an assistant linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals during training camp. Her story has inspired millions and continues to reshape what’s possible for girls and women in football.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Welter holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Master’s in Sport Psychology, blending academic insight with athletic achievement. This unique background gives her a rare ability to connect with athletes mentally and emotionally, in addition to physically. She uses this training to focus on leadership, motivation, and resilience—core themes that drive her coaching and mentorship style.
Athletic Career and Breaking Barriers
Before her historic NFL coaching role, Dr. Welter was a dominant force on the field. She played 14 seasons in women’s pro football, winning four World Championships and earning two gold medals with Team USA at the International Federation of American Football’s Women’s World Championship (2010, 2013).
In 2014, she became the first woman to play a non-kicking position in a men's professional football league, suiting up as a running back for the Texas Revolution.
Coaching Career and NFL Legacy
Dr. Welter’s NFL breakthrough shattered decades of tradition and opened doors for women aspiring to coach at the professional level. Her presence on the Cardinals' sidelines wasn’t symbolic—it was strategic. She coached, mentored, and led by example.
Since then, she has:
- Coached the Australian Women’s National Team
- Led clinics across the U.S.
- Mentored coaches and athletes in multiple sports
Founder of Grrridiron Girls
To grow the game for future generations, Dr. Welter launched Grrridiron Girls, the first nationwide football camp movement designed specifically for girls. These camps create safe, empowering spaces for young athletes to learn the fundamentals, build confidence, and fall in love with the sport.
Author and Keynote Speaker
Her book, Play Big: Lessons in Being Limitless from the First Woman to Coach in the NFL, is part memoir, part masterclass in mental toughness and personal development. Dr. Welter also speaks globally on leadership, breaking barriers, and inclusion, making her a powerful voice for change both on and off the field.
Celebrity Guest at the She is a Baller Tournament
Dr. Jen Welter will be a Celebrity Attendee at the 2025 She is a Baller Battle of the States Tournament, taking place June 6–8 at the Olympic Training Facility in Chula Vista, California.
This prestigious event showcases the top high school girls flag football players from Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, New York, and Nevada—and Dr. Welter’s presence is a major highlight. As the first woman to coach in the NFL, her support sends a strong message about the growth of girls flag football and the opportunities it holds for future female athletes.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Jen Welter is more than a pioneer—she’s a living legacy of what it means to be bold, resilient, and limitless. Whether she’s coaching on the sidelines, writing bestsellers, or mentoring girls on the field, her mission is clear: empower women to believe there is no field too big or dream too bold.
Learn more about Dr. Jen Welter’s impact and upcoming appearances at JenWelter.com.
To meet her in person, join us at the She is a Baller Battle of the States Tournament in Chula Vista this June.