Kick[gl]ass™: Women In Football
Celebrating the strong shoulder[pad]s the game is built on today
The history of women in American football is a remarkable journey of resilience, trailblazing achievement, and groundbreaking progress. Despite the sport’s traditionally male-dominated image, countless women have challenged expectations and shattered barriers, carving a path for future generations. Firsts shift perception and create a new reality — they shift culture and open minds, hearts, and doors. From the founding of the first women’s professional football league in 1965 to historic milestones in coaching (like Dr. Jen Welter), officiating (like Sarah Thomas), and management, their contributions have been transformative.
This exhibit, on display at the Patriots Hall of Fame from July 2026 – January 2027, pays tribute to those who came before, and points to the rising stars carrying the game forward — the athletes who’ll take the field when flag football makes its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, on a stage built by everyone who came before them.
Women in Football was originally presented at Longue Vue House and Gardens, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2025 in a printed catalog displayed on a label panel or otherwise visible to visitors
