During the NFL Women’s Forum at the 2024 NFL Combine, 12 women representing various teams in the NFL took the stage, with a backdrop displaying the phrase “The Future of Football” crossed out and replaced by “The Future is Now.” This marked a shift in the forum’s message, which for the past seven years aimed at increasing women’s participation in football roles. Over the last four years, the NFL has seen a 141 percent increase in women holding roles in the league, amounting to an average of seven women per club on the football side.
The panel, opened by Sam Rapoport, NFL Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion, focused on showcasing the progress made in coaching, historically one of the most challenging areas for women to break into in the NFL. Starting from zero women in full-time coaching roles eight years ago, the league now boasts 12 women coaches, surpassing any other male professional sports league. This marked the first time these women were brought together on stage and in the same room.
The NFL Women’s Forum, held annually as part of the NFL Scouting Combine, is an integral part of the league’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The program provided 40 women, 60 percent of whom were women of color, an opportunity to connect with leaders in professional football. Over the course of the program’s eight years, 400 women have benefited from the opportunity to engage with coaches and general managers across the league.
The Cleveland Browns have been actively involved in promoting women’s presence in the league and were represented by assistant wide receivers coach Callie Brownson, who participated in the panel alongside the other 12 women coaches from across the NFL. Brownson shared her personal journey, emphasizing the significance of the panel and expressing gratitude for the progress made, while acknowledging her own dedication to continued growth and hard work.
During the panel discussion, Brownson reflected on her journey and the progress she has made. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she has been given and acknowledged the transformative impact of her experiences. Brownson joined the Cleveland Browns in 2020 as the chief of staff and made history as the first woman to coach an NFL position group during a game when she served as the acting tight ends coach in a Week 12 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Her accomplishments were recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which displayed artifacts from that game, including a sideline jacket and autographed ball.
Brownson continued to make significant contributions to the team, taking on additional coaching roles as the acting wide receivers coach in a Week 17 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, and as the acting running backs coach in a Week 15 game against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. In 2022, she assumed the role of assistant wide receivers coach and has been diligently serving in that capacity since. Brownson credited head coach Kevin Stefanski for his intentional support and development throughout her NFL career, emphasizing the coach’s understanding of her aspirations and his deliberate efforts to provide her with the necessary exposure and opportunities for growth.
“I had a ton of exposure to everything that I wanted to have exposure to. I got to be just as involved in the football stuff as much as I wanted to, so that when this transition happened, it could be smooth. So, I’m really grateful for that,” Brownson expressed, highlighting Stefanski’s instrumental role in her professional progress.
Brownson’s experience highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities and making connections within the NFL. She encouraged participants to make the most of the two-day program and utilize it as a platform to establish connections throughout the league.
During the panel, Stefanski, along with four other head coaches who have played pivotal roles in advancing women in the league, emphasized the significance of assembling a diverse and talented team. He specifically mentioned Abir Chaudhry, the director of team logistics and operations for the Browns, and Hunter Carson, a football operations assistant, both of whom participated in the program in 2023. The Browns have been at the forefront of hiring from the Women’s Forum, with Chaudhry and Carson being hired from the 2023 program.
Stefanski stressed the team’s commitment to hiring the best individuals based on their capabilities, regardless of gender or previous NFL playing experience. He emphasized that Callie Brownson is an integral part of the coaching staff because she is an exceptional football coach who significantly contributes to his job. He also highlighted the importance of humility and recognizing the need to surround oneself with highly skilled individuals.
The NFL continues to prioritize expanding opportunities for women in the league. Since the establishment of the Women’s Forum in 2017, over 250 opportunities for women in various NFL roles have emerged. The presence of the 12 women on stage at the forum signified a significant shift in the coaching landscape of professional football, while also acknowledging the ongoing need for progress and improvement.
