Buccaneers host first ‘She is Football Weekend’ to increase opportunities for women in the NFL

The weekend included a 5K run, walk and stroll on Saturday. More than 3,000 people participated. A market festival was held inside the team’s training facility featuring women-owned businesses, and there were curated tours throughout the complex that gave young girls an opportunity to learn more about the roles available within a professional sports organization.

Glazer Kassewitz joined one of the tours, engaged with the guests, asked questions, posed for pictures and highlighted for the girls several of the different jobs they could pursue in the future.

“This pillar of empowering women and developing young girls into leaders has been something that the Glazer family has been doing for more than 10 years,” said Kourtney Sanchez, chief impact officer for the Buccaneers. “Witnessing the incredible response to this inaugural event and feeling the energy here this weekend has reinforced the importance of this mission and reflected our continued commitment to keeping girls and women in the game.”

At the scouting combine last month, the NFL held its ninth annual Women’s Forum as part of its ongoing, league-wide commitment to inclusion. More than 250 opportunities have emerged for women in all levels of football since the forum’s inception in 2017. Last season, the NFL had 15 full-time women coaches, a league record and most for any male professional sports league in the world.

“We know that as a league, we can’t reach our fullest potential without the success and hard work of our clubs uplifting their local communities,” Smith said. “Thanks to organizations like the Buccaneers, the NFL can continue to advance the game of football and provide unique opportunities for all.”

Smith called the summit “truly inspiring” and pointed out how women from different backgrounds came together to collaborate and uplift each other.

“I’m eager to see how these connections influence the game of football, impact the local Tampa community, and drive lasting momentum beyond the event, hopefully living on for years to come,” Smith said.

“She Is Football” weekend was such a hit the Buccaneers already announced the next one will be held March 6-7, 2026. Fans from other teams, including the divisional rival New Orleans Saints, showed their appreciation.

Originally conceived as a locally focused event held around the celebration of International Women’s Day, the weekend exceeded the organization’s expectations, drawing interest from women across the country who traveled to Tampa for a chance to grow their networks, celebrate their shared love of sports, and possibly find career inspiration.

“I was never at something like this where you could pick the brains of people that are in the positions that maybe someday you want to be in, or ideas for positions that you want to create or build,” said NFL Network reporter Sara Walsh, who moderated the event and served as a mentor. “It really would have opened your eyes.”