History was made on Sunday, February 9, 2025, when the Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs with a resounding 40-22 victory at the Super Bowl, marking the franchise’s second championship win. This game was not just another win for the Eagles; it carved out a place in history for Assistant Performance Coach Autumn Lockwood, who became the first Black woman coach to win the illustrious title.
Autumn Lockwood's pathway to this momentous win began when she joined the Eagles as a strength and conditioning coach prior to the 2022 season. A Morgantown, West Virginia native, she graduated from the University of Arizona, where she played women's soccer and earned her degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Her sports career took off when she completed the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Atlanta Falcons, setting the stage for her entry and eventual promotion within the Eagles organization.
Lockwood's historic role was not just about breaking barriers; she has proven to be instrumental to the team’s preparations leading up to the Super Bowl. Having previously served as the assistant director of basketball sports performance at East Tennessee State University, her wealth of experience made her uniquely qualified for the role she plays today on the Eagles’ coaching staff.
The significance of her achievement reverberates through both the Eagles’ locker room and the broader sports community. When the Eagles faced the Chiefs two years earlier, Lockwood had already made headlines as the first Black woman to coach at the Super Bowl, but this victory solidifies her place as a pioneer in the NFL.
Following the game, Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham noted, "We’re hoping to get her her first ring,” reflecting the team's commitment to celebrating Lockwood's achievements as they aimed for this historic win. Likewise, Christian Elliss, another linebacker, highlighted her approach to supporting the players' mental health, explaining how Lockwood regularly distributes iPads for mental health check-ins. He expressed gratitude for her approach: "There’s been times this season where I clicked five, I’m not feeling so good, and they’re able to talk to you and help you through it.”
Lockwood's contributions include not only athletic performance but also enhancing the mental well-being of the team, showcasing her multifaceted coaching ability. Her dedication set the tone for the Eagles' mentality throughout the grueling Super Bowl preparations.
The day of the Super Bowl, as confetti rained down from the rafters inside the Caesars Superdome, the Eagles celebrated their triumph. Coaches, players, and fans took part in the jubilation, realizing the larger significance of Lockwood’s achievement as it echoed beyond the field. Her historic win symbolizes progress and representation for women and people of color within the NFL, inspiring countless future athletes and coaches.
Throughout her career, Lockwood has faced challenges, but her relentless pursuit of excellence has helped her transcend those obstacles. The Eagles’ victory not only put them back on the championship map but allowed them to prove to the world the importance of diversity and representation within sports coaching. Lockwood expressed her excitement, saying, "This win is about all of us and the journeys we've had to get here."
With the Eagles' latest win, Lockwood has not only secured her first Super Bowl ring but has also rewritten the rulebook on what is possible for women and minorities in coaching roles. Moving forward, her influence on the organization will undoubtedly help pave the way for future generations of coaches.
While the NFL has traditionally had limited representation for women and especially women of color, Lockwood's role and success could serve as inspiration for other organizations to embrace diversity actively. Her example highlights the importance of providing opportunities for underrepresented groups within all levels of sports.
Autumn Lockwood's achievement and the Eagles' Super Bowl victory create an opportunity to reflect on the progress being made yet remind us of the work still needed to amplify diversity within the sport. Lockwood's legacy is not just as the first Black woman to win the Super Bowl; it is also as a groundbreaker who inspires hope and determination for many aspiring athletes and coaches out there.