Every time I talk to my friends about the NFL, the discussion often turns to if girls can play in the league. I think they make an excellent point; why shouldn’t the fairer sex be able to take part in the game we all know and love? After all, it is a game of skill, not one of odds. There seems to be the idea floating around out there that girls aren’t capable of competing at the same level as men, but I’m here to tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Taking a look at the history of the NFL, there are multiple female athletes who have put in hard work and dedication to be able to play at the professional level. For example, Sarah Fuller made history last season when she became the first female to ever suit up in a regular-season NFL game. The impact that she made was instantly clear, as the entire crowd erupted in cheers as she took the field. This moment was a shining example of how far women have come in the world of football.
The conversation often veers to if girls in college football should be given the same opportunity as women in the NFL. I believe that this is an entirely different debate, but it is still an important one. Female athletes in college football have been proving themselves capable of playing ball at the highest level for years now. I’m sure most of us can remember the incredible performance put in by Mississippi State’s Rachael Renfroe last season. Her team’s last minute winning drive was a thing of beauty that she was able to lead her team to victory with only two seconds left on the clock. Her performance was a prime example of why girls should absolutely be given the opportunity to play college football, as well as the NFL.
There also seems to be this idea that girls don’t have the same levels of skill as men do. This couldn’t be more wrong. While it’s true that some men undoubtedly have advantages over women in terms of physical prowess, it’s also true that ladies in the NFL have an arsenal of skills that often go overlooked. Take Nicole Snooki for instance; she stands only 5’5″, yet she can still throw a football like a rocket and toss a perfect spiral. She’s a perfect example of a player who has made up for her physical shortcomings with skill and determination.
These female NFL stars are not only crushing stereotypes about what girls can and cannot do, but they are also inspiring a new generation of female athletes to push themselves and pursue their dreams. We now live in a world where girls can play in the NFL and receive the same respect and recognition as male players. This is an incredibly encouraging sign for young female athletes who are striving to make a name for themselves. We owe it to these ladies to celebrate them and recognize the impact they are making on the game and culture of football.
The options available to female athletes in the NFL have grown exponentially, thanks in part to female athletes like Sarah Fuller, Rachael Renfroe and Nicole Snooki. There are now opportunities for them to take part in trick plays, special teams, and even regular offense and defense. This can only be considered a win for the league, as these ladies bring in a unique set of skills and talents that can vastly improve the performance of a team.
I believe it is incredibly important to recognize and celebrate female NFL players, and I think that the league should take furthersteps to make sure that these amazing athletes are given all the admiration and respect they deserve. After all, these ladies are some of the most talented athletes in the world and they should be treated accordingly. So, when the conversation comes up, don’t forget to remind people that girls can play in the NFL.