Buccaneers.com Screen Shot
As a woman who writes about sports (football in particular), which happens to be what I love to write about, there is no shortage of men who still believe in 2015 that a woman couldn’t possibly write about football.
<climbs on soapbox>
“How could she write about football? She didn’t play it!” … yes, because every man out there on the interwebs played Division I football?
“She must only like football because the guys wear tight pants.” … yes, clearly the only reason I cover football is because of the tight pants. <sarcasm>
“Honey, you need to go back into the kitchen and make a sandwich.” … yep, I’ll get right on that. My family might starve to death if I don’t.
And my personal favorite, the guy who waited in line at a book signing in San Francisco to tell me, “I graduated from Notre Dame in 1960 and I’ve already read everything there is to read about Notre Dame football.” <clearly a Rhodes Scholar>
Just when I think nothing could surprise me, I stumble across this gem today.
The Tampa Bay Bucs, (who drafted our friend Jameis Winston, who is already quite well-known not for his on-the-field accomplishments but his off-the-field escapades), are launching RED, a brand new program aimed at reinventing the female fan experience.
What is RED you ask? Here is how they’re defining it: “RED is a groundbreaking women’s movement designed to recognize and celebrate our female fan base,” said Glazer Family Foundation Co-President Darcie Glazer Kassewitz. “Through exclusive offerings and experiences, our female fans will have the opportunity to not only add to their knowledge of the game they love, but also to help create a community through RED and own the way they enjoy football.”
Groundbreaking.
Since when is an article explaining the “play clock” groundbreaking?
I love some of the comments on the site:
“I grew up watching football ( Nebraska ), and most women I know have a very clear understanding of the game, and we do not need someone to tell us what to wear, or what food to prepare to watch a Buc’s game. Who ever came up with the “Red” concept is going to lose more of your women’s fan base, than gaining- Please worry about how the Buc’s are doing on the field instead.” -C Azzarello
“Allow us to talk down to our female fans for a moment…” -C Schmidt
“Are you kidding me? In my house I watch football and hubby finds something else to do. I don’t need culinary help or fashion help and if I did the NFL would be the last place that I would look to for help. Apparently the Bucs/Glazers/NFL think females are idiots. Grrrrr.” L Linares
Okay NFL teams, college teams and anyone else who is clearly stuck in the 1950’s; let me break this down very S-L-O-W-L-Y.
We don’t need you to tell us how the play clock works.
We don’t need fashion tips or tailgate recipes.
We already understand the rules of the game.
What we want is pretty much the same experiences that the guys do.
50 yard line seats? Yeah, that would be great.
The chance to go to the Super Bowl or College National Title game? Heck yes!
Field access? Yes please!
Get to practice/learn from the players? (for example: Notre Dame’s Football 101) Yes!!
Yes, I know I’m never going to play Division I football or in the NFL … but please don’t assume that I can’t figure out what the play clock is without your help.
Okay, I’m off my soapbox now. There are 29 days until Notre Dame takes the field against the University of Texas. Hey, grab me a beer and lets watch the game together!
Cheers & GO IRISH!
(Author’s note: It seems as though I’m not the only one who feels this way. Read more.)
Her Loyal ... Daughter
Lisa Kelly is a multidimensional marketing professional. She has over two decades of marketing experience and earned a bachelor of business administration and marketing from the University of Notre Dame (Class of 1993 ... Siegfried Hall!). She is a Digital Publishing Manager by day and by night is writing her third book, a continuation of "Echoes From the End Zone: The Men We Became" and its sequel "The Men We Became: MORE Echoes From the End Zone." In 2012, Lisa was crowned the "Biggest Fan of the Big East" in a blogging and social media contest, representing Notre Dame.
Read all posts by Lisa
- Breaking Discoveries in CTE Research? - March 12, 2018
- A Football Player’s Lucky Charm? - February 22, 2018
- Part II: From Football to Coffee Beans? - January 31, 2018
So, no sandwhich?
Nope, no sandwich! lol
I didn’t mean for this to come across as preachy as it apparently did. I feel very blessed for all of the experiences I’ve had through writing about football.
I’m sorry guys … I didn’t mean for this to be as preachy as it apparently sounds. It was supposed to be more playful, tongue in cheek. I am truly thankful for all of the opportunities that I have received as a result of writing about football! Cheers and 29 days until ND Football! GO IRISH!
You did great here! I think the biggest thing is that we get spoiled as ND Fans. The Football 101 is such a great mix of teaching and catering to the loyal daughters of ND. Other teams, like the Bucs, seem to start everything at stereotypical ground-zero and alienate more fans.
If anyone down here in the comments hasn’t read Molly’s experiences on Football 101, you should! A great compliment to this piece: http://www.herloyalsons.com/blog/2015/06/15/football-101-tales-from-a-fifth-year-senior/
You are awesome…I’d watch a game and enjoy a beer or two with you anytime!!!
Brilliant! Fashion tips and recipes? srsly? Condescending much?
I missed out on Cowboy Football 101 this year, I won’t next year. I saw the video. Running drills, Q&A w/coaches and players, yes please!