On Monday, the Arizona Cardinals hired Jen Welter, who is believed to be the first female coach in the history of the NFL. So, on Tuesday, the Cardinals held a press conference to introduce Welter to the world.
While the majority of the news on Tuesday revolved around the NFL's decision to uphold Tom Brady's Deflategate suspension, the Cardinals' press conference shouldn't be lost in the mix, especially considering its historical significance.
Bruce Arians introducing Levon Kirkland and Dr. Jen Welter. Welter is believed to be 1st female coach in NFL history pic.twitter.com/iwc9Ul2St6
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 28, 2015
At the press conference, Welter conveyed how excited she was to join the team as a coaching intern for the summer.
"I could not have dreamed big enough that this day would come." @jwelter47
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) July 28, 2015
"I didn't start playing football to be here. I could have never dreamed it." @jwelter47
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) July 28, 2015
More importantly, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians used the press conference as a call to action, saying he hoped that the 31 other teams around the league follow the Cardinals' lead and hire female coaches.
"Hopefully 31 other clubs will start this." @BruceArians
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) July 28, 2015
And Welter, who will work with the team's inside linebackers, seems to be embracing her status as a role model.
"I want little girls to grow up and know that when they put their mind to it, they can do anything." @jwelter47
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) July 28, 2015
Welter has been involved with football for 14-plus years, playing in the Women's Football Alliance and the Indoor Football League. Additionally, she was an assistant coach in the IFL. Now, she's employed by an NFL team, likely making history as the league's first female coach.
