In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women in the world of football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted their inaugural "She is Football Weekend" on March 7-8, 2025, at the iconic Raymond James Stadium. Over 800 women gathered for this pivotal event that sought to amplify the presence and influence of women within the NFL.
The weekend kicked off with an inspiring speech from Buccaneers co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, who emphasized the importance of creating networking opportunities for women. "We want women to be able to network with one another and to find a community together to empower themselves and create a greater network that would benefit them personally and professionally," she stated. Kassewitz highlighted that this event was not just an isolated occurrence, but rather part of the Buccaneers' ongoing commitment to female empowerment within the sport.
Attendees also had the chance to hear from NFL executive Dasha Smith, who reiterated the league's dedication to inclusion and the role organizations like the Buccaneers play in uplifting local communities. She stated, "We know that as a league, we can't reach our fullest potential without the success and hard work of our clubs uplifting their local communities." Smith's remarks stressed the collaborative spirit that the weekend embodied, bringing together women from diverse backgrounds to learn and grow.
The event featured a full-day summit filled with breakout sessions led by leaders across various industries, coupled with a live recording of the popular podcast "Calm Down with Erin & Charissa," featuring NFL reporters Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson. Participants also enjoyed an engaging interview with All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, which provided insights into both the game and the broader industry.
Notably, the weekend served to spotlight the significant contributions of women in football, especially given the Buccaneers' historical milestones. Four years earlier, Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar made headlines as the first female coaches on a team to win a Super Bowl when the Buccaneers triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs. This legacy continues to inspire many women who aspire to roles in sports.
The Buccaneers, driven by the mission of the Glazer family, aim to develop 50,000 female leaders annually, reinforcing their dedication to fostering future generations of women in leadership roles within sports and beyond. “Supporting female leadership and the women in our community and championing the development of young girls into leaders is very important to my family,” Glazer Kassewitz conveyed, underlining the personal nature of this initiative.
The festivities also included a 5K run, walk, and stroll event on Saturday, which attracted over 3,000 participants and served to further engage the community. Additionally, a market festival showcasing women-owned businesses highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit within the community, providing female entrepreneurs with a platform to reach a wider audience.
Inside the Buccaneers’ training facility, curated tours allowed young girls to discover various career paths in professional sports. Glazer Kassewitz herself joined some of these tours, interacting with attendees, asking questions, and inspiring the next generation by showcasing the array of jobs available within the organization. Kourtney Sanchez, the Buccaneers' chief impact officer, remarked, "Witnessing the incredible response to this inaugural event and feeling the energy here this weekend has reinforced the importance of this mission and reflected our continued commitment to keeping girls and women in the game."
The NFL's Women’s Forum, held concurrently with “She is Football Weekend,” has already seen the emergence of over 250 opportunities for women since its inception in 2017, a statistic that reinforces the positive trend of increasing female representation in coaching and executive roles within the league. Last season marked a record year for the NFL, boasting 15 full-time women coaches, the highest in any male professional sports league worldwide.
As participants reflected on their experience, Sara Walsh, an NFL Network reporter who moderated discussions, mentioned, "I was never at something like this where you could pick the brains of people that are in the positions that maybe someday you want to be in, or ideas for positions that you want to create or build. It really would have opened your eyes." Indeed, the ripple effects of “She is Football Weekend” seem destined to extend far beyond its two-day run.
Excited by the overwhelming turnout and positive feedback, the Buccaneers have already announced the next iteration of “She is Football Weekend,” set to take place on March 6-7, 2026. Originally conceptualized as a local event in celebration of International Women’s Day, the initiative attracted interest from women nationwide, who traveled to Tampa for an invaluable opportunity to grow their professional networks, elevate their passions for sports, and garner career inspiration.
In creating an empowering platform for women, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have set the stage for a brighter, more inclusive future in football, one where women's contributions are celebrated and leadership opportunities abound.
