The New Orleans Saints have become the first NFL team to host a women's tackle football clinic.
On March 1, New Orleans began hosting the week-long World Women’s Football Games at their practice facility in Metairie, La.
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More than 200 women from 17 countries — from beginners to experienced players — were scheduled to participate.
“We reached out to several NFL clubs. There was a bunch of interest but there was no offer like the New Orleans Saints offer we received," Samantha Rapoport of USA Football said. “Jason Trosclair and Chris Payton basically saying to us, ‘Not only do we want to host but what else can we do for you?’ They really opened up their doors and provide such incredible opportunities for these women.
“You know Drew Brees doing a promotional video for them that was shared by tens of thousands of women across the country just by seeing Drew Brees say, ‘Hey we’re excited to welcome female tackle football players.’ That was a first for women’s tackle football and something we’re really excited about.”
Former Arizona Cardinals assistant coach Jen Welter was scheduled to be a guest at the event. Welter became the first woman to be an assistant coach on an NFL team in 2015.