Football: A Woman's Game
Start writing a post
Sports

Football: A Woman's Game

It's time to give us the respect we deserve.

22
Football: A Woman's Game

Super Bowl Sunday may be my favorite day of the year (besides the College Football Playoffs and the BCS National Championship Game, of course). Honestly, few things get me more hyped up than a big football game, infamous commercials and quality bar food. I have to say, I was beyond excited to watch the legendary Peyton Manning and his Denver Broncos play against young football pro Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

In spite of my passionate and enthusiastic preamble, however, this article doesn’t have much to do with the Super Bowl. It has to do with the fact that I’m a female. A female with an immense passion for the game of football; a game within an industry dominated almost entirely by men.

I am tired of the stigma.

Whenever I tell people my dreams of being a sportscaster, they laugh. Oftentimes, they scoff at me and say, “Good luck with that.” I can’t really blame them, though. I’m sure it sounds funny: a blond-haired, blue-eyed five-foot-four-inch female wanting to be on television talking about America’s most popular sport next to Troy Aikmen, Kirk Herbstreit or Cris Collinsworth, men who have not only played the game, but lived the game.

No, I have not played the game. No, I have not lived the game. But what I have done, is watch the game, study the game and work hard to understand the game.

I’ve sat on my living room couch with my dad drawing X’s and O’s on a piece of scratch paper, learning the different positions and jobs of each player. I’ve made notecards to help myself learn the names of notable coaches and players throughout the history of the sport. I’ve tirelessly watched games and attempted to call plays before they happen.

Am I writing this for your pity and sympathy?

Hell to the no.

I’m writing this for respect.

Unlike men, women are new to the industry. We haven’t been involved in the sport for the past 60 years. We haven’t played the game. We have the ability to challenge the “norms” of football. Without bias, we can point out weakness and make the game better. Women have an unparalleled willingness to challenge the status quo because, to us, there is no status quo.

It’s time we, as a society, legitimize the worth and knowledge women bring to the sports journalism world.

In short,

I am a woman, I understand football and it’s time to take me seriously.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

44449
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27970
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952721
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

152945
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments