Middle linebackers — they’re a manly, fast, big, predatory bunch with names like Ray Lewis, Jack Lambert, Mike Singletary and Dick Butkus. The Arizona Cardinals think they’ve found a unique and excellently qualified person to coach their crew of inside linebackers: Jen Welter. Welter has been given a coaching internship with the Cardinals for training camp and the preseason. Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians told the Arizona Republic: “Coaching is nothing more than teaching… I really believe she’ll have a great opportunity through this internship to open up some doors.”
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The 37-year-old Welter played 14 years of professional football as a linebacker, primarily in the Women’s Football Alliance. She’s more recently been coaching men in the Indoor Football League for the Texas Revolution. Make that coaching and playing: at 36, she ran the ball and played some special teams in the men’s league. They say she’s as tough as Butkus.
I’m honored to be part of the #BIRDGANG! Love the #footballfamily here with the #ArizonaCardinals #NFL… http://t.co/vPdmyKH2hi
— Dr. Jen Welter (@jwelter47) July 28, 2015
