When Jamie Carter first searched for “women’s tackle football” on Google, she had no idea that it would lead her to a transformative journey that would empower countless women and girls. This pivotal search marked the beginning of her mission to become the first Black female owner of a nationally recognized sports league, the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), a professional women’s tackle football league featuring over 20 teams and more than 1,000 players and coaches across 17 states.
Fresh out of college and newly relocated to Texas, Jamie was eager to reconnect with the sport she cherished in her youth, before well-intentioned advisors nudged her towards basketball. “I thought it would be cool,” she reflected on her return to the game that had once captured her heart.
Since then, Jamie has earned accolades as a Hall of Fame Running Back, a two-time National Champion, and a Gold Medalist with the USA Football Team. However, many in the sports community remain unaware of her achievements, mainly because the existence of women’s tackle football is still not widely recognized.
“I founded the WNFC to establish a platform that would legitimize women’s tackle football,” Jamie explained in a recent interview. Although women have been playing tackle football for over a century, no corporate entity has previously worked to elevate it to the global stage. “There have been charities and other initiatives, but never a corporation,” Jamie noted, highlighting the ongoing disparities in investment and visibility in women’s sports.
One of the significant hurdles Jamie faces as a woman in this male-dominated arena is the pervasive assumption that she lacks the knowledge or commitment of her male counterparts. “Women in sports must not only match the performance of men but exceed it consistently,” she pointed out. “We’re accustomed to building tables, rather than being invited to sit at them.”
Jamie observed that while hundreds of millions have been invested in male football leagues, often with poor outcomes, similar investments in women’s sports are frequently dismissed as unrealistic. “It should be just as acceptable to invest in women’s sports as it is in men’s,” she argued, asserting that the absence of such investment is what leads to the lack of data on women’s football potential.
Jamie’s journey into sports began at a young age when she played tackle football in elementary and junior high school, despite facing resistance from boys who felt threatened by her presence. By high school, however, she had to abandon the sport due to the lack of opportunities for girls. “At that time, I didn’t even question why girls weren’t allowed to play,” she recalled.
This experience fueled her passion to create “Empower Her,” a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting women and girls in sports, empowering them to see a future for themselves in athletics. Since its inception, the organization has received an influx of messages from parents eager for support in encouraging their daughters to pursue sports.
While the COVID-19 pandemic forced the WNFC to cancel its 2020 season, there are optimistic signs for 2021. Extensive planning and collaboration with healthcare professionals and local authorities have paved the way for games to commence in May. Recently, the WNFC secured a global distribution partnership with the VYRE network, making content accessible to fans around the world on major streaming platforms.
In a press release announcing the collaboration, Jamie expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “This deal resolves a significant challenge for women’s tackle football fans; they will now have a dedicated platform to enjoy our content 24/7.” She emphasized the importance of collaboration among Black business owners, saying, “When we unite our talents, we can truly make a difference.”
Jamie Carter’s achievements both on and off the field are nothing short of inspiring. Her commitment to uplifting all women through sports underscores her belief that the WNFC serves to empower and inspire future generations. “Our mission is to impact and empower women and girls through sport,” she affirmed.
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Search Queries:
- Women’s tackle football leagues
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- History of women’s football
- Investment in women’s sports
- Creating opportunities for girls in sports
Summary:
Jamie Carter, a Hall of Fame Running Back, is redefining women’s tackle football as the founder of the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), aiming to elevate the sport and empower future generations. With a mission to legitimize women’s football, she faces challenges typical to women in sports, including overcoming misconceptions about their capabilities. Through her nonprofit, “Empower Her,” she advocates for girls in sports, emphasizing the need for investment in women’s athletics. With renewed hope for the upcoming season and a new partnership for global reach, Jamie is dedicated to inspiring women and girls everywhere.
Keyphrase: Women’s tackle football
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