'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The NFL is the most-watched sports league in the United States of America and has worldwide appeal. The National Football League might not have as many international players as the NBA or MLS, but it has foreign representation.
However, for all the progress made to make the league global, one thing still needs to be added. The league lacks a professional female player in its almost century-long existence.
It thus begs the question: can women play in the Gridiron? The simple answer is yes. Yes, women can play in the National Football League, as there is no rule that prevents them from doing so.
Be the GM of your favorite team, use our free Mock Draft Simulator with trades
Are there any women playing in the NFL today?
No, as of the time of writing, no woman is a playing member of any of the league's 32 franchises. However, the NFL could do better, and here are a few reasons why we believe women could play in the league in 2022.
Why women can play in the NFL
1. Skill triumphs over raw strength
The Gridiron has evolved significantly from what it used to be many years ago. As a result, the league focuses on skill and maximizing schemes rather than just brute force.
There's no reason why a well-coached and adequately skilled female kicker or punter cannot contribute to a Gridiron franchise.
2. There is no rule prohibiting women from playing
At the time of writing, no legislation states that women cannot participate in sports, precisely the Gridiron. The Gridiron is an all-encompassing league with an average number of female executives. If a female player is good enough, she could either be drafted or signed as an undrafted free agent.
3. Women are allowed to play other sports
Women play in pickup basketball games, they play soccer daily, and we've seen young girls boss it in flag football. What makes the Gridiron such a different proposition? Can't these girls grow up, get trained, and one day play in the Gridiron?
It thus begs the question of why the necessary apparatus has yet to be set in motion. The league is doing a great job with its diversity planning; it's time to take it a step further.
Are there any female prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft?
No, as of the time of writing, there are no female prospects eligible for the 2023 Draft. The NCAA and college route is the central route potential prospects take when making the league.
Given the paucity of female Gridiron prospects, the earliest time this might change would be in the 2026 NFL Draft. The league may then have its long-awaited first-ever female player.
