Source: Warren Little / Getty
At 37-years old, Jen Welter is making history as Bruce Arians and the Cardinals are giving her the opportunity to work as an assistant linebackers coach.
Welter has just become the first female to coach in league history. She is now a training camp/preseason intern coach that will be coaching with inside linebacker under linebacker coach Bob Sanders.
She’s also coaching alongside rookie inside linebackers coach Larry Foote for the next six weeks. Unfortunately, the coaching job isn’t a full-time job, but who knows where this awesome opportunity will take her next.
Arians said, “Jen is a quality coach. She has earned this. I think she can help our players get better.”
Welter played for the Texas Revolutions for one game in 2014 as running back. The Revolution’s then coach, Chris Williams, said, “It was amazing to see. And I’m going to tell you I never thought I would see a female play the game and then guys hit her the way they hit other guys like it happened in the game tonight.”
Welter said, “I have been playing football for over 14 years and it took being hit on the field by a man to get noticed. I can take some hits, get back up and do it again.”
It was the on February 12, 2015, that Welter was named the Revolutions new linebackers and special teams coach. Welter said, “I felt very prepared to stepping a coaching role with guys after playing last year. I proved myself on the field as a player and my passion for football is a second to none.”
One of the Revolution staffers contacted Arians about Welter and told Arians was serious than he should meet Welter.
“So she came to one of our OTAs this spring,” Arians said. “I found her really passionate about football. I asked if she was serious about it, and if so, I would love to give you the opportunity to coach with us. She jumped on it. She loves to coach.”
