A landmark event took place at Raymond James Stadium in early March, where over 800 women gathered for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' inaugural "She Is Football" weekend. This gathering featured influential speakers from within and beyond the NFL, interactive workshops, and even a live podcast recording with renowned sports journalists. The event highlighted the growing role of women in football while fostering mentorship opportunities and celebrating female leadership in sports.
The "She Is Football" weekend exemplified the Buccaneers' ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for women in the NFL. It showcased women working in various capacities within the community, provided valuable mentorship, and celebrated young female flag football players. This initiative aligns with the Glazer family's broader vision of creating the next generation of female leaders through sports, aiming to develop 50,000 such leaders annually.
This two-day event began with inspiring addresses by prominent figures such as Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, co-owner of the Buccaneers, and Dasha Smith, an NFL executive. Participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions during breakout sessions and had the chance to interact directly with All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs. The event also included a 5K run/walk on Saturday, drawing over 3,000 participants, and featured a market festival highlighting women-owned businesses.
Glazer Kassewitz emphasized the importance of networking and building communities among women. She noted that 94% of women in executive roles played sports when they were younger, underscoring the connection between sports participation and leadership development. Through this event, the Buccaneers aim to keep girls involved in sports and inspire them to become future leaders.
In addition to the summit, curated tours allowed young attendees to explore potential career paths within professional sports organizations. These tours provided hands-on experiences and insights into diverse roles available in the industry. Kassewitz herself joined one of these tours, engaging with guests and emphasizing the variety of careers accessible to young women interested in sports.
Beyond the Buccaneers' efforts, the NFL continues its commitment to inclusivity through initiatives like the annual Women’s Forum at the Scouting Combine. Since its inception in 2017, this forum has created over 250 opportunities for women across all levels of football. Last season alone, there were a record 15 full-time female coaches in the league, showcasing significant progress.
Dasha Smith praised the summit for bringing together women from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and uplift each other. She expressed excitement about how these connections could influence football and impact the Tampa community positively, leaving a lasting legacy.
The success of the "She Is Football" weekend has prompted plans for another event scheduled for March 6-7, 2026. Fans from rival teams, including the New Orleans Saints, have shown appreciation for the initiative. Originally designed as a local celebration coinciding with International Women’s Day, the event surpassed expectations by attracting participants nationwide eager to expand their networks and find career inspiration.
This transformative weekend not only strengthened the Buccaneers' reputation as champions of female sports fans but also demonstrated the power of collaboration and mentorship in advancing women’s roles in sports. As Sara Walsh, NFL Network reporter and event moderator, remarked, it offered invaluable opportunities to learn from those shaping the industry today, potentially influencing countless futures.