“We are extraordinarily excited to form this strategic partnership with the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) and we applaud their pioneering work in the sport of tackle football,” says NFL Alumni CEO Brad Edwards. “They are true trailblazers in every sense of the word, and it is an honor, as part of the Pro Football Legends community, to serve as the architect and administrator for their much-deserved alumni association apparatus. I want to especially thank Lisa King, WFA Commissioner, WFA Director of Partnerships Rich Daniel, and NFLA Washington DC Chapter President Terry Smith for their efforts in constructing this partnership.”
Under the partnership, WFA retired players will be recognized as Pro Football Legends and will receive benefits that inform, assist, and serve WFA players in their post football careers.
“Our missions are in alignment and together we will strengthen both organizations, our players, and the communities in which they live, work, and serve.” Said Lisa King WFA Commissioner. “We will provide immediate education and awareness to the NFL alumni base about the variety of opportunities that are open to them to reconnect and give back to the game they love and, in some cases, provide critical resume experience in coaching, management, and ownership with WFA teams across the country as well as at the league level.”
WFA veteran Lois Cook added, “I’ve been part of the current group of pioneering women over the last twenty years to help build the recognition and respect for women in this sport. This partnership will add to that immensely and allow us to continue to find ways to honor the women who came before us and support those who are now following in our footsteps.”
Both organizations will help showcase the community in Canton, Ohio as the WFA holds its championship on ESPN2 the weekend of July 27th one week before the 2024 Hall of Fame inductions.
About WFA
The Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) is the largest, longest-running, and most competitive women’s tackle football league in the world. Women’s tackle football teams and leagues have been in existence for over four decades, but the most promising growth in the sport – both in the number of teams and in the level of competition – has taken place over the last five years. The WFA has broken many barriers. It was the first women’s football league to play a National Championship in an NFL stadium, as well as the first women’s league to have its games broadcasted on national television. In addition, over 15 veteran WFA players have earned coaching and scouting positions in the NFL including Katie Sowers (San Francisco 49ers), the first female to coach in a Super Bowl, and Jennifer King (Washington Redskins), the first female African American coach in the NFL.
About NFLA
Founded in 1967 by a small group of successful retired NFL players, NFL Alumni is the oldest and most well-known retired player organization in professional sports with 40 chapters across the United States. NFL Alumni’s triple mission focuses on “Caring for our Own,” “Caring for Kids,” and “Caring for the Community.” For more information, visit www.nflalumni.org