As September arrived, there was one thing on my mind during the annual family and friend fantasy football league draft; I had to get the Baltimore Ravens as my defensive team. Those of you who know me or read my book, will know there is some irony here in this statement – not about the Ravens, but about my participation in a Fantasy Football league. Those of you who know me even better, know it is true that I am not that into football, but when I participate in an activity, whether I do it just to bond with family and friends, I have a rationale why I choose players or teams to support and it has little to do with skill; although in this case, the Ravens also have the skills as a top ranked defensive team.
My rating for success is based on an outcome I can live with, as in do I have players that represent good ethical standards – not accused of sexual assault or abuse. Yes, I do look at the players rankings when my pick comes up and I have gotten better at looking at bye-weeks for my wide receivers or running backs. I do like to keep it real though, each season I forget what WR stands for in the draft pool. The main question I ask my football informed spouse before I pick a player is: “Does he have any outstanding allegations or charges of misconduct towards women or other men off the field?” If the answer is yes, even if he is the top ranked fantasy league player, I don’t pick him. Why? That is not my idea of a fantasy – rooting for someone who does not show others respect.
Call me irrational here and that may be so. While I am competitive in other areas of life, fantasy football is not one of them. I do it for the social interaction with family and friends, and I try to be authentic to my own values in the process. This might not be your logic, but just sharing with you what is in my mindset, especially how I pick teams and why I was so dead set on getting the Ravens as my defensive team, even if they were not ranked as high as they are.
I wanted to pick them the first round, but my husband, who does manage my line-up during the week, said if I picked a defensive team first round, he would not be my fantasy manager. I mean, I guess if I have my standards, he can have his too. I patiently waited until after I had at least a quarterback, a wide receiver (WR) and a running back (RB) and then I secured my pick. Yes, Ravens, you are my lead defensive team for the 2024-2025 fantasy season, and I could not be more proud.
While my husband does his research for his fantasy drafts on ESPN or Rotowire.com, I watch the Today show and it was this story that caught my attention last week: “Three women on the Baltimore Ravens' coaching staff are part of a record group of 15 female assistant coaches across the NFL this season.”
I must admit that as a Gen X person, born in the late 1960’s, I get excited seeing women and men breaking into professions that have typically been held by one gender or the other. The three coaches that are featured in the story are smart, beautiful women who love the game and are committed to do a great job. They reminded me of my own daughters – intelligent, beautiful, and well spoken.
My favorite part of the story, though, was the quote from Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh:
Commentator: The Baltimore Ravens have the largest female representation of any team, and for girl dad and head coach John Harbaugh, it a winning algorithm.
Harbaugh: Sometimes, in football especially, or maybe in a lot of things, we don’t always, you know, utilize the whole talent pool. There are a lot of women out there that are really interested in football that are really talented that can help us be a better team you know. So, let’s go find them. Let’s try to be a better football team. As a result, you want the best of the best, of course!
This was the moment I became a fan of John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens. A better description, perhaps, is that I became awakened as I heard a management strategy that was unique, well-articulated, and is working for the team. The Ravens’ defense is in the top 5 in the NFL, they are ranked number one for the AFC North, and predicted to have a pretty good, winning season.
What I liked most about Harbaugh’s comment is that he is aware that there is an aspect of the talent pool that he was not leveraging. He wants to win, and his coaching strategy is focused on the best talent. There are women who are incredibly talented and know the game. He is not limiting his choices to only half the talent pool, given that men and women each represent about 50 percent of the talent pool.
I also love that the commentator called him a “girl dad.” When I interviewed men about gender equity for my book “Men-In-The-Middle,” I noted that men who have daughters are often more aware of the challenges women face in the workplace. They have raised these incredibly talented people to do whatever they want to do, and then when society says no, these dads are aware too. Harbaugh happens to be in a position to make a difference.
The Ravens are not the only team to hire female coaches, they just have the most women. Jen Welter became the first woman to coach in the NFL in 2015. Katie Sowers made history by becoming the first to coach in a Super Bowl in 2020, and Sarah Thomas in 2021 become the first woman to officiate the title game. According to the New York Time story by reporter Emmanuel Morgan, (Sept. 2023) nearly 70 women, according to league statistics, are in scouting and personnel roles, positions critical to the selection and development of players, and 10 female assistant coaches are in the league. That number is up to 15.
When inclusivity leads, teams perform. The stories of women like Jennifer King of the Washington Commanders and Lori Locust of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are prime examples of what happens when leadership fosters inclusivity. Their successes not only highlight their individual talent and determination but also underscore the importance of systemic change within organizations. Catherine Raîche is the Clevland Browns’ assistant general manager and vice president of football operations, and as of this publication is the NFL’s highest-ranking woman in a team personnel job.
The men, who are dominant among the NFL coaching staff, also are creating a sense of belonging. They, like Coach John Harbaugh, know that those who are newer to the league as staff are bringing fresh perspectives and innovative strategies that are reshaping the game.
The Role of Men in Driving Change
In my book Men-in-the-Middle, I promote the idea that for real progress to occur, men need to be more than just passive supporters of gender equity—they need to be active participants. This means challenging biases, advocating for policies that promote diversity, and mentoring women to ensure they have the same opportunities for growth and advancement as their male counterparts.
The NFL has one of the broadest, far-reaching audiences and we see this dynamic at play. Male coaches and executives who recognize the value that women bring to the table are crucial in creating pathways for female coaches to enter and succeed in the league. These men are not just opening doors; they are advocating for a cultural shift where diversity is seen as a competitive advantage.
Leadership That Transcends Gender
The inclusion of female coaches in the NFL is a testament to the fact that effective leadership transcends gender. Leadership is about vision, strategy, and the ability to inspire and motivate others, regardless of whether you’re on the sideline of a football field or in a corporate boardroom.
This is where the lessons from Men-in-the-Middle and the achievements of female NFL coaches intersect most powerfully. Both highlight the need for inclusive leadership that goes beyond tokenism and truly values the unique perspectives that each individual brings. Whether in sports or business, when men and women work together as equals, the results can be transformative.
Creating a Lasting Impact
The rise of female coaches in the NFL is not just a milestone; it’s a movement that can inspire other male-dominated industries to follow suit. It’s a reminder that change is possible when there is a collective effort to break down barriers and create opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender.
As we look to the future, the message is clear: inclusive leadership is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. By embracing the principles outlined in Men-in-the-Middle and supporting the rise of women in all fields, we can create a more equitable, dynamic, and successful society.
The stories of these pioneering women and the men who support them are not just about football or gender; they’re about the power of collaboration, the strength of diversity, and the importance of standing together to create a better future for all.
Go Ravens! Go women coaches in the NFL! Go men who are paving the way for competitive advantages through looking at the entire talent pool! Let’s continue the conversation to gain momentum for gender equity for the benefit of all.