Around the NFL

Jets reportedly to hire female DBs preseason intern

Published: May 26, 2017 at 06:35 AM

Jeremy Bergman

Digital Content Editor

The New York Jets are set to hire their first female coach.

The New York Daily News reports that Gang Green intends to hire Collette Smith, the marketing executive and former coach and player for the New York Sharks of the Independent Women's Football League. Smith will reportedly work with the defensive backs this summer as a preseason intern.

"I'm over the top. I'm humbled and I'm proud," Smith told the Daily News. "This could have happened with any NFL team. But it just so happened that it was with my beloved New York Jets. This is bigger because of that. God forbid it would have been with the Patriots. But I still would have done it."

Smith follows in the footsteps of former Cardinals preseason intern Jen Welter and former Bills special teams quality control coach Kathryn Smith, both of whom broke ground as the first part-time and full-time woman coaches in NFL history, respectively.

"We as women carry a lot on our shoulders," Smith continued. "Right now, it happens to be football for me.

"This is a way for me to help empower women. Don't dream small, play big and go for it. ... One day a woman will come to a football team, and it won't be a big story. It'll just be football. When that day comes I'll be more honored and even more proud."

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

RB Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys met Wednesday about possible return

Running back Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys met Wednesday about a potential return, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported. There is no deal in place, but the parties are in talks.

news

DE Trey Hendrickson requests trade from Bengals; team says it won't move him

Defensive end Trey Hendrickson requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, although the team told him it won't move him, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday, per sources.

news

Cowboys pick up DE Micah Parsons' fifth-year rookie option

It's not an extension, but the Cowboys are ensuring pass rusher Micah Parsons is on the roster beyond 2024. Dallas has picked up the fifth-year option on Parsons' rookie deal, which is slated to cost $21.324 million, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday.

news

Washington Commanders 2024 NFL Draft Guide: What you need to know

Get exclusive team insights and analysis for the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit.

news

LSU QB Jayden Daniels dismisses reports he doesn't want to play for Commanders

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, thought to be the favorite to go No. 2 to the Washington Commanders on Thursday, dismissed reports on Wednesday that he would prefer to not play in D.C.

news

Lions agree to terms with OT Penei Sewell on four-year, $112 million contract extension

The Lions have agreed to terms on with offensive tackle Penei Sewell on a four-year, $112 million contract extension that includes $85 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported.

news

Fifth-year option tracker for first-round picks from the 2021 NFL Draft

May 2 marks the deadline for teams to exercise fifth-year options on rookie contracts for 2021 first-round draft picks. NFL.com is tracking each decision leading up to the deadline.

news

Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. explains skipping pre-draft workouts: I 'trained to play football instead'

Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has arrived at the 2024 NFL Draft as a mystery prospect of sorts after bypassing workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day, but he has an explanation for his approach to the pre-draft process.

news

NFL news roundup: Latest league updates from Wednesday, April 24

NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown.

news

Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown agrees to four-year, $120 million extension

Amon-Ra St. Brown and the Lions have agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract extension with $77 million guaranteed, keeping the star receiver in Detroit through the 2027 season, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday

news

Falcons' Terry Fontenot on Kirk Cousins' study habits: 'He's like a nerd up there. He's obsessed with it'

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot says Kirk Cousins brings more to the table than just steady QB play after seeing what the veteran brings to the building the past few weeks.

news

Jerry Jones staying patient with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons extensions: 'I want to see some more cards played'

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb and pass rusher Micah Parsons are all up from massive extensions, but owner Jerry Jones is remaining patient on a matter that has hindered Dallas' offseason.