Collette V. Smith: From NFL Trailblazer to Inspiring Author
By Myles Mohair
When Collette V. Smith stepped onto the New York Jets’ practice field in 2017, she wasn’t just coaching defensive backs—she was rewriting the rulebook. Smith became the first Black woman to coach in the National Football League and the first female coach in Jets franchise history. That moment was more than a footnote; it was a headline, a breakthrough, and a signal to young girls everywhere that the impossible could be possible.
Now, Smith is building on that historic legacy with her debut children’s book, Collette’s Courage, a story rooted in her own journey and aimed squarely at the next generation of dreamers and doers.
Breaking Barriers on the Gridiron
Smith’s love of football started on neighborhood sandlots, where she matched her skills against boys who quickly learned not to underestimate her. That passion carried her into the New York Sharks, a professional women’s football team, where she excelled as a defensive back before moving into coaching and front-office roles.
Her opportunity with the Jets came when then–head coach Todd Bowles invited her to serve as a coaching intern during training camp. Smith brought with her an arsenal of knowledge—film study, footwork drills, and the relentless detail work that defines great defensive back play. More importantly, she brought representation.
In a league that had only begun to open its doors to women in coaching roles, Smith’s presence stood as a living rebuttal to stereotypes. She wasn’t just a woman on the sideline—she was a coach, holding a whistle, correcting technique, and demanding excellence.
“It was never about being the first,” Smith has said. “It was about doing the work and showing others that they belong too.”
The Next Chapter: Collette’s Courage
Eight years later, Smith’s platform has evolved from NFL sidelines to school libraries. Her new book, Collette’s Courage (September 2025), tells the story of a young girl named Collette who refuses to be defined by limitations. With the support of her loyal dog Bucky and an unshakable belief in herself, she dares to pursue her love of football despite voices telling her “girls don’t belong on the field.”
Written for children ages 5 to 12, the book is richly illustrated and accessible, but it carries a message with universal weight: courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to move forward anyway.
“Kids need to see themselves in stories,” Smith explains. “I wanted to create a book that tells every young girl and boy: don’t let anyone box you in. Your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and courage will carry you where doubt says you can’t go.”
Beyond the Field, Into the Classroom
Smith’s company, Believe N You, Inc., uses the power of sport as a framework for empowerment and personal development. Through workshops, keynote addresses, and executive coaching, she equips leaders, students, and athletes with the tools to build confidence, resilience, and vision. Collette’s Courage extends that mission, offering educators and parents a powerful resource to spark conversations about leadership, self-belief, and inclusivity in the next generation.
Her voice of empowerment also reflects her lifelong bonds of sisterhood. Smith is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., one of the most prestigious Black sororities in the world, known for its commitment to public service, social justice, and empowering women of excellence. For Smith, being part of this global sisterhood aligns seamlessly with her mission: to uplift, to break barriers, and to open doors for others.
Legacy in Motion
Collette V. Smith’s story is no longer confined to NFL history books. It’s being read aloud in classrooms, tucked into bedtime routines, and carried in the hands of kids who may be picking up a football—or a dream—for the very first time.
Her career proves that breaking barriers is about more than the headlines—it’s about widening the path for those who follow. And with Collette’s Courage, she’s ensuring that path starts earlier than ever, in the hearts and imaginations of children who dare to believe in themselves.
“Courage isn’t about being fearless,” Smith writes in her book. “It’s about doing it anyway.”
And that’s a lesson every generation can carry—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout life.
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