February 6, 2025 • 39 mins
On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl and Tee talk with Jennifer King, an offensive assistant coach for the Chicago Bears and the first Black female assistant coach in the NFL. Jen shares why she shifted from basketball to football, how she landed her first NFL coaching gig and what she’s experienced coaching in a predominantly male field. The three talk about the influx of female coaches in professional sports, and how there is still work to be done specifically in regards to including women in football media coverage and coaching.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Levels to.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
This is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with
Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on
the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Hey, what's up, everybody? It's your girl? Trica Foster Brassby.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
What's up y'all? Is your girl?
Speaker 3 (00:19):
Cheryl Swoops And this is the levels to this podcast,
the show where we share that it's levels to the
shit that women go through and we have got such
a fun show lined up today. First, I have to
acknowledge that we are recording this podcast on a Wednesday,
and it also just so happens to be National Girls
(00:40):
and Women in Sports Day. Let me make sure I
get that right, so shout out yes. So first we
have got to shout out all of the women who
have paved the way for those of us who continue
to be trailblazers in sports. Share some encouragement to those
young ladies who are continuing to make some noise and
(01:02):
make waves in sport and literally find a way to
continue to keep our young girls in sport. Percentage of
show that you know between the six and eighth grade
is typically when young women kind of even fall out
of the sports realm. But like as schro can attest to,
as I can attest to, sports has.
Speaker 4 (01:21):
Literally been really the gateway.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
And the catalyst to so many incredible and important things
in our lives. And so we have got to continue
to show out and show love for national girls and
women in sport day and I have the pleasure of
watching and listening my girls shrow swoops on a panel
this morning alongside some other incredible women, including Alicia Clark.
Speaker 4 (01:42):
We're both in.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Nashville right now for Athletes Unlimited and Cheryl, you did
an amazing job.
Speaker 5 (01:48):
I really did.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Really I want to piggyback off of what you said
very briefly. If not for those who came before you
and I, there would be you and I in sports
right So, I don't know if we talk about it enough,
so I definitely want to reiterate what you said. It's
also a very important time, right It's a crucial time
(02:12):
for women in sports, with the threat of Title nine
being taken away from not just girls and women, Title
nine affects everybody, So without diving too much into that,
it's a very crucial time for us to remember all
of the women who came before us, everything that they've done,
how they paved the way, and you know, things that
(02:34):
both you and I in different arenas, but you and
I continued to do for those who were coming behind us.
So absolutely happy National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
And it's important that the girls continue to be involved
in sports. And thank you for the compliment. And you
look fly as hell. I the hair is harring.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
I'm loving the polished.
Speaker 5 (03:04):
Whatever.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
I had to do a double take. I was like,
that looks like my girl tea, but uh it is I.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
Had to get it together this morning, and she had
to get it together this morning.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
Yeah, but let.
Speaker 3 (03:17):
Me tell y'all, like Cheryl be on her she'd be
on her business.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
I was.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
I was standing here talking and I was standing here
talking to Ari at first, and I saw like all
these people behind me, and I was like, oh, I
think they think I'm waiting for Sureyl, let me move
out the way. So they kept go in and get
their photos and they pictures and ship. But I want
to share something with you all that was very impactful
this morning. I can't I it was very impactful this morning.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
Quiet because I don't really know what you're.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
Gonna say if it was very impactful this morning. So
you know Ari Chambers love Ari. She was the moderator
on the panel today and one of the things she
asked is can you share something about yourself that is
not on Google. Now that's very difficult for the Hall
of Famer sheeryff Swoop because all a business, it's all
it's on Google. And Cheryl said, you know, I got
(04:05):
this little fan that I carry with me all the
time everywhere.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
You know what, I'll show the people. I'll show the people.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
You ain't got to pretend like you got one this
one and I have it in two other colors tea,
but go ahead to tell you know what I said,
you know what, I think this would be a great
opportunity for me to get some footage for the levels to.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
This podcast Instagram page. So a few moments later I
recorded Cheryl giving her very impowerful speech, and literally when
I put it on the Instagram, someone who knows Cheryl
about as well as I do literally came into comments
and was like, look at that fan. She got that
fan everywhere, And I said, well, damn, I ain't even
(04:50):
mentioned a fan even she know Cheryl.
Speaker 5 (04:54):
Got this hand.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Jordan, I'm oking this caller out around because I know,
I know was Jordan.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
I thought you and you and I had.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
A better understanding and a better relationship than this.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
But you know what, you know what, I can't wait.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
I can't wait until we for two things, for us
to do our menopause episode, which is coming, and I
can't wait to your hiss menopause.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
How about that? I cannot wait.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Nobody ain't nobody sat but cherylid damn it, she shoulder
got that damn fan.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
And turned it off and turned it off.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
So for all of the women out there who can
relate to what this, this this heap is saying, yep,
I call the heaven what she said?
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Y'all feel my pain?
Speaker 6 (05:55):
You do?
Speaker 5 (05:55):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (05:56):
I can't wait.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
And when the time comes, whether we're doing this this podcast,
wherever we.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
Are the world team, just call you?
Speaker 4 (06:07):
Can I get my fans from?
Speaker 3 (06:08):
Where's the best place to buy mine?
Speaker 2 (06:10):
I tell?
Speaker 1 (06:12):
And I ain't telling. I ain't telling.
Speaker 5 (06:15):
Oh my god, it's hilarious.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Well, folks, we have a great show lined up today
because as it is National Girls and Women in.
Speaker 6 (06:24):
Sports Day, we have a woman joining our show.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Today who quite literally has blaze trails in the national
Football League because it's also Super Bowl week, you know.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
What I mean.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
And my team ain't in it. Shirld's team ain't in it.
We just we just sitting here watching. No we watching
them to be watching because it's the Eagles and the chief.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
I'm watching for the commercial.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
See, I'm watching for neverm ain't.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
I'm watching for the commercial.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
You know, I play a little. What I do every
every every Super Bowl, I play a little. I'm watching
for Jalen Jalen Frying.
Speaker 4 (07:01):
I'm watching for Jaileen.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
It is yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Can I say this since you brought that football?
Speaker 2 (07:12):
So football is the one sport to me, not all,
but where most of the guys, right when you look
at him.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Like oh okay, he's fine, or he's.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Got a nice pot or whatever, and then they take
the helmet off, what is it?
Speaker 5 (07:31):
You know what's crazy?
Speaker 6 (07:32):
Shit?
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Some football players I don't even know what they look
like with their helmet off. Like there are some football
players that I'm like, if you put your helmet of,
I don't need the jersey.
Speaker 4 (07:41):
I just need the.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Helmet and then I can tell who you are from
the body shape. Yeah, but there are some oh wow,
that's because you're a real football. Hear about a body shape,
And yes, I am objectifying the men at this moment.
Speaker 6 (07:54):
I mean, I just wanted.
Speaker 3 (07:55):
To be very clear of what I'm doing right now.
I am absolutely objectifying they do. That's why I feel
like it's.
Speaker 6 (08:02):
Fair to get my turn.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
They do that, they do that to on the side. Yeah,
go ahehad go ahead. I'm gonna say, I'm gonna sit
here and give you the no, you got it, you
got it.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
I'm just I'm just letting y'all know that I'm objectifying
these men in this moment. And I don't need nobody
coming for me talking about as a professional. And she's
talking about how these men look, Yes, because they fine,
it's l They're fine.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
They're gonna girl, they're gonna, they're gonna come for me
to But yeah, but we is it Sheryl and Tarka married?
Aren't they married?
Speaker 3 (08:29):
And I tell I will be the first to say facts.
I may not be able to order, but I.
Speaker 4 (08:34):
Can absolutely still look at the menu. Okay, not blind.
I can still look at the menu.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
I might not be able to grab me a little
entre that's cool, maybe not a little snack that's cool. No,
but I'm but I'll leave it this menu though, and
be that looks amazing. If I could order that might
be my one.
Speaker 4 (08:55):
That's all I'm saying.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
So, folks, we are going to be joined by none
other than Jennifer King, the first woman to be a
full time assistant head assistant coach excuse me in the NFL,
and jin boy, she breaks it down for us.
Speaker 4 (09:15):
So let's just go ahead and take it to the
next level.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
I have to say that I know that Ryl is
a basketball girl, right, but it's Super Bowl week and
so that's gonna interrupt you right now.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Don't don't just put me out there like I'm only
a basketball girl.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
When I tell you that there is a level. See
you remind me of the China.
Speaker 6 (09:43):
You go ahead.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
I'm gonna let you finish.
Speaker 6 (09:48):
China. China.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
So here's a little difference, right, China doesn't really do
football for real, but she will fake it until she
makes it right. She goes to the game, she will
support like You'll be like, yay, let's go.
Speaker 6 (10:01):
But then you ask her a football question, She'll be like, girl,
I don't know that. Don't ask me that, like you.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
Are so putting me on blast right now. In front
of company.
Speaker 6 (10:12):
This is warm in my soul. Okay for today's guest,
because I know.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
This is gonna be an excellent show, especially given that
Cheryl is gonna be like, go Texans and then you
ask her a question that she'll.
Speaker 6 (10:27):
Be like, girl, why are you asking me that I
don't know?
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Yeah, it is it is. It is go Texans all day?
Speaker 6 (10:32):
Uh huh.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
So come I went to football questions. Let's go, come on,
let's who's the quarterback? Shirl c J strou Look at you.
Don't don't play with me.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
Don't play with me, team, don't play with me.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Said Oh Today show man, I'm so excited to welcome
in Chicago Bears assistant Listen, known for being one of
the first black woman to serve as a full time
NFL coach when she was named the running back coach
for the Washington Commanders.
Speaker 6 (11:01):
I am so excited to welcome my what.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
Before you welcome her, say that one more time?
Speaker 1 (11:06):
The first what, the first.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Black female to be named let's go time, and that's
as the coach.
Speaker 6 (11:15):
Let's go. Let's get it, my girl. Jennifer King, what's up?
Speaker 1 (11:20):
Let's sucking good?
Speaker 2 (11:22):
I'm so sorry you had to get in the middle
of that domestic situation. There she's showing, She's showing out
in front of company.
Speaker 6 (11:31):
That's the lego in me, Jen, what's going on?
Speaker 2 (11:34):
So happy you're here, Sam, I'm gonna be quiet and
let Tea do her thing. Since it's since I'm a
basketball girl and I'm a football.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
Well, guess what. You know what's dope? What's dope about this?
It's that Jennifer is also a basketball girl. Because Jen
actually coached and took a team to a ship. So
let's start there, right, like, how did you make this transition?
Because you were a basketball girl a football girl, and
now we're looking at you coaching in the NFL. How
(12:04):
did we make that transition? How did that sp I.
Speaker 5 (12:06):
Mean, I've lived like ten lives, I feel like, But
long story short, I was coaching college basketball for nine years.
I was a head coach for two and a half,
and you know, like you said, I was able to
take a team to a national championship. So I was
right next door to the Carolina Panthers facility, ended up
meeting their head coach. Shot my shot, and ustbly here
we are. You know, it was a lot to happen
(12:27):
in between that I played football as well for thirteen seasons.
But that's how I got here. People thought I was crazy,
obviously to leave basketball after winning national championship just to
go to football. And I moved to Arizona for my
first football job. I had never even been to Arizona.
I just picked up and moved.
Speaker 6 (12:42):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
I got a question for those who are listening when
you say you shot your shot, because there are probably
a lot of people that are in situations like that
and they're like, if I only get that opportunity to
shoot my shot, Like, when you shot your shot, what
did you say?
Speaker 5 (12:56):
Essentially, I was at before him with other women who
want to work and football coach Rivera was the head
coach of the Panthers, So even though our facilities were
next door in Charlotte, I met him in Florida and
I got at a round table with him, and I
just let him know who I was, where I was,
and he was like, let's connect when we get back
to North Carolina, and that's what we did. I was
so focused. One of my friends at that table and
(13:17):
I didn't even remember that she was there, so I
was locked in.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Wow, I want to follow up with something because I
think it's very important that we have this conversation, especially
when you say that he was like, let's follow up
when we get back to North Carolina, right, Because lots
of times Jen, you know this, and to you to
to when you're at an event or somewhere and you're
meeting somebody, they're like, yeah, let's connect when we get back.
People never follow through with that, or sometimes people say that.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
Just to be like girl, leave me alone.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Was there ever a moment and I know you said
you were focused, right, but was there ever a moment
in there before you got back home where you were like,
he really didn't mean it.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
We're not gonna connect, you know what I mean? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (13:57):
No, I guess I had this optimism about the city
situation that never crossed my mind that he was just
blowing me off. And I guess how we met and
where we met. No, let me know that he was
serious because it was like a women's forum. He didn't
have to be there to start with, so okay for
him to be there, let me know he was serious
about it. So I didn't really think that he was
trying to play me anyway.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
You know what, that's a good point that you bring
up too, because I have heard, and I know we
all have heard, and for those out there who have
not heard, there have been over the last few years
several forums and initiatives and things that the NFL specifically
has said that they were putting together to help bring
more women into the NFL space. And there's been a
(14:38):
few of us who have been very I don't want
to say optimistic, because we ain't really been that optimistic.
Speaker 6 (14:44):
We've actually been a.
Speaker 3 (14:45):
Little bit more reserved and like, let's see how this
works out. And I will say why I know I
specifically have felt that way is because as a lifelong
football fan and NFL fan, I've seen what was supposed
to happen with the Rooney Rule, and so I been
thinking to myself, the Rooney Rule ain't really done a
great job of bringing in new black head coaches or
black coaches in general.
Speaker 6 (15:06):
Were still out here trying to make something shake right.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
We're wondering why all these great offensive coordinators and defensive
coordinators are not getting head coaching positions right.
Speaker 6 (15:14):
So, when I saw this.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
Initiative that came out maybe around twenty sixteen seventeen, around
that time that was supposed to be specifically geared towards
helping women move into different spaces in the NFL. I
was like, I don't know, We're just gonna have to
see how this works out. So I think it speaks
a lot to what happens to make these things happen
(15:37):
and make these things.
Speaker 6 (15:38):
Work the way they're supposed to.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
Is because you not only need to have an investment
from the league itself, but you certainly have to have
investment from those who are in those positions already, like
head coaches, like current coordinators, like current front office executives,
like they have to buy into that as well. In
your experience, how have you seen or how would you
(15:59):
category rise, how some executives or how some indecision making
positions have really tried to move initiatives forward to help
give women more opportunities.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
Yeah, I mean I think at the league level, like
the league is all about diversity and diversifying the league,
the problem a lot of times, I think comes at
the team level because obviously the teams can do what
they want, the league can have aspirations to doing this
and doing that, but ultim when it comes down to
ownership to the people that make decisions there and you know,
I do think it's getting better. Obviously there's always room
(16:29):
to grow, but now I think even with the women's form,
I think almost all the teams are now participating and
have representation there. And usually by representations it is ownership
or head coach or decision maker within that organization.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
Just out of curiosity, I'm not trying to put you
on the spot. And I don't know if you know this,
because I definitely don't. Do you know how many female
coaches are in the NFL.
Speaker 5 (16:51):
Off the top of my head, I don't like on
field there's like two or three of us, but then
there's a pretty good number of strength coaches now like
almost don't strength coaches me.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
It's not any different coaching in the NFL coaching the
NBA as a woman. I've talked to more people on
the NBA side as far as coaches and assistants, wondering
how male players react to a female coaching them. What
has been your experience from day one to where you
(17:21):
are today?
Speaker 5 (17:22):
From day one, I think I saw that the players
could literally care less if you can provide them with
the information they need. Obviously, in the NFL is a
tough lead. Everybody wants to play in it, very few can.
So if they're on the team and you can provide
them with the information they need to be better or
to stay on the team, they literally could care less
where it's coming from. And it's all about building those
authentic relationships. It's something that I stand on to be
(17:45):
able to know them, to know their family, know their girlfriends,
their kids, at least what's going on in their lives
because they know so much with connecting with them as
a coach, when you know those things as well, so
it's never just football with me. So I'm able to
connect on football but also life.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Well, like, I'm really in awe of you right now.
To me, listen, I'm gonna go.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
I'm gonna go to Tea's point. And I know I
think she was joking maybe not to be.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Like Cheryl's a basketball girl. Yeah, I grew up.
Speaker 6 (18:11):
I was joking you want, but.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
You weren't Because listen, I think I'm a little better
than La China.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
I know a little bit more about football.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
But if I sit at the table, I'm not going
to have a football conversation, right I'm gonna have a
basketball conversation. So when I think about you being an
assistant coach. I'm just like, what the hell, what do
you do? Do you get out there and like show
them your skills?
Speaker 1 (18:36):
You do? Do you know what I'm saying?
Speaker 6 (18:37):
Like you you are a badass to be.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Doing what you're doing in the NFL.
Speaker 5 (18:41):
I appreciate that, Carell. I think it helped that I
played thirteen season as a quarterback, so they know that
it gives me a little bit of props from them
as well. And you know, at this point, they usually
know somebody who have played in some of the women's
leads as well, so it's not like a shock to
them when they know that I played. The guys are great,
the coaches that I work with, they've been great. It
hasn't really been a thing. I really don't even think
(19:03):
about it because no one else makes it a thing. Yeah,
but shout out to them, because obviously it cannot go
that way. And I'm speaking for myself. I don't know
everyone else's experience is to working in the league. But
big shout out to the guys that I've worked with,
the coaches that have hired me, the players that I've had.
It's been pretty cool.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
Yeah, you actually touched on exactly where I was getting
ready to go, because you know how many times I
wanted to smack somebody in the face when we having
a conversation.
Speaker 6 (19:25):
About whatever, and they'll be like, hell, you ain't never played.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
First of all, I did play wide receiver and I
got you off a slam one time, and I decided
I would be best to be a cheerleader that that
kind of hurt.
Speaker 6 (19:37):
I was like, WHOA, I don't know if this is
exactly what I want to do.
Speaker 3 (19:41):
But with that being said, you haven't played thirteen seasons
in the Women's Football Alliance. Just if you can share
with our audience a little bit about that league. I
know it's a full contact sport, so me getting hit
off of slant ain't shit compared to probably which y'all
was really getting hit off of that league.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
And it's tackle, right, yeah, we tackle football? Yeah yeah,
yeah yeah.
Speaker 5 (20:02):
So right now, there are two major leagues. There's the
WFA and then the WNFC, which I'm actually on the
board of, So we'll talk about the WNFC, but they're
one of the premier leagues. There's some really good athletes
playing at a very high level and it's entertaining and
the championship is always at the start down in Dallas
as well, and I feel like the level of playing
competition just gets better and better than the athletes grow.
(20:24):
There's a lot of former leadiate athletes pro athletes now
switched over to play football.
Speaker 3 (20:29):
I really love that because that's the thing that bugs
me more than anything, and that really ties into the
whole point of our conversation today, which is there are
women doing some very incredible things, and sometimes that means
that we have to step into spaces that were not
always open to us. And for a very long time,
it feels like the NFL hasn't been open to us,
(20:49):
even just in general conversation. Not necessarily the league, but
I mean just the mindset of some people who are
very small and don't understand that women can kill sceptually
understand football. I look at Mina Kimes as someone who's
probably forgotten more football than I'll ever know, and oh
my god, and the way that she's able to express
(21:11):
and analyze and break down, and it's like there are
still some who don't understand the kind of vitriol that
sometimes women experience when they're trying to get into these spaces,
and so I think it's incredibly important for people to
know and hear your story because the level of success
that you've attained as it relates to being able to
get into the space, have the kind of experiences that
(21:34):
you've had, it's important for those who want to come
into this. I'm even a little bit more curious to
go a little bit back a little further, because I'd
like to know how you even found out about participating
as a participant in women's football. It's not something that
is always advertised or it's not something that if you
don't necessarily know to look for that you can find.
(21:56):
So I'd love to even know how did you even
switch from softball in basketball to getting into football.
Speaker 5 (22:02):
Yeah. I mean I grew up in a small town
in North Carolina where football was huge. My parents never
let me play, even though I was pretty good as
a kid. But then ultimately, when I graduated college, I
had a chance to play some ball overseas for a
little bit, and then when I got back, I was like,
what am I going to do? I found a lady
I was playing pick up with, she was playing on
the team, and she invited me out, and that was
(22:22):
pretty much a rap from there. I didn't want to
play basketball no more. I was just I know it
was wild, but I went and tried out the next thing,
I know, I'm all in. That's how I got involved.
And I think now you see it on social media
or you know someone that knows someone that plays. So
I think it's a little easier now than it was
when I started. But obviously it's still a room to go,
(22:44):
and I think they're making great strides to make it
a household sport.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
When people talk to me about who will be the
first female to coach in the NBA, right, it bothers
me because I'm like, it shouldn't even really be a
conversation or an issue because women are very qualified to
do that, and I'm talking about as a head coach.
Speaker 6 (23:14):
Not an assistant.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
Now I'm going to ask you the question people ask me,
would you someday like to be a head coach in
the NFL?
Speaker 5 (23:22):
Oh? Sure, I'm just gonna put me on the spot.
Speaker 6 (23:23):
Huh A period, that's what we do.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Yeah, I thought you knew.
Speaker 5 (23:31):
Oh no, I didn't know, but here we are. It's
one of those things that you know, I just continue
to grow as a coach, even when I was coaching basketball.
I was an assistant, I learned, I grew as a
coach and ultimately became a head coach, and I was
successful at it. I think in football it can be
a similar path to me, just to continue to grow
as a coach. Now I look too far ahead and
(23:52):
see what happens in the future, and I would love
to be a head coach one day.
Speaker 2 (23:55):
Maybe I'm asking like crazy questions because it is football
to me, because basketball. When people ask me some of
these questions that I'm probably asking you, you're probably like what,
But like as far as mentoring, right, Like, I know
so many young girls and little girls who they have
those mentors in every sport, and I'm assuming with football,
(24:15):
do you mentor young girls who someday aspire to do
what you're doing?
Speaker 5 (24:21):
Yeah, I mean there's a lot of people kind of
in contact with There's some in college now who are
working with their college teams. I think the future for
women working in football is super bright. There's a lot
of women doing great things, and like just kind of perspective.
When I started with the form that I went to
in twenty eighteen, everybody there had other jobs trying to
get into football. And then last year at the forum,
(24:43):
everybody that participated was already working in football at the
college level or some at the pro level. So I
think it just shows the growth over four or five
years that can happen. And it's not just coaching people
on the operation side, pr doing all the types of
different things, but actually coaching on the football field. There's
still a bunch of women that they're coming up. They're
doing a really good job. I mean, obviously the Buffalo Bills,
(25:04):
she's doing a great job, and obviously they're having a
great season.
Speaker 6 (25:06):
I know it can't be easy.
Speaker 3 (25:07):
There has to be some challenges that I think most
people facing, no matter what profession that they're in. Can
you talk about what maybe some of those challenges are
that you face?
Speaker 1 (25:16):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (25:18):
Yeah, I think the hardest part for us is that
people don't realize how we work. And it's tough. You know,
it takes its toll. You know, obviously we're out of
the season now to't finally gets some rest.
Speaker 6 (25:27):
But I ain't want to say nothing.
Speaker 5 (25:29):
Yeah, but season, we're working, you know, sixteen hour days
almost every day. It's a lot that goes into us
getting ready to play on Sundays and whenever that game
is I think a lot of people just see the game.
They don't really understand what goes on behind it. So
you sacrifice a lot. You're gonna miss a bunch of holidays,
you're gonna miss birthdays, a lot of friend trip. So
(25:50):
I think that's one of the biggest sacrifices you have
to make and be prepared to make when you step
into this industry and it's tough. You know everybody, it's
a lot of coaches that want to work in the NFL.
It's very tough and competitive. So to be fired and
rehired was really big for me because they always say
you're not a coach in the NFL TA you get fired.
So I've been there and I was able to get
rehired again, so they lets me know that I'm doing
(26:11):
something right.
Speaker 2 (26:11):
I am going to put you on the spot again,
only because you were an amazing quarterback yourself.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
I want your thoughts on Shador Sanders.
Speaker 5 (26:20):
I haven't really watched tape on him. I just seen
him play on TV because like everybody else, yeah, I
got the sweatshirt and everything, But I think one thing
about him, without even watching tape, is that he's been
successful like every level. But obviously just watching on TV,
he's talented, he has a big arm. Without watching tape
(26:40):
to really evaluate him, I'm excited to see what he
can do in the NFL. And obviously it's a big
step for any kid leaving college coming to the league.
It's a big step, Like I don't care who you are.
But I think the thing about him that I like
is that obviously he's out likes to have a good time,
but he works his butt off, Like you see him
working with Tom Brady and wanting to be better. I
never see him like satisfied where he's where he is.
(27:02):
So I'm excited for now.
Speaker 3 (27:04):
Y'all know I'm Tom Brady's biggest hater, so you could
have left that Thomas the whole government the moment he
walked on the campus of ann Arbor, and then continue
the moment he became a member of the New England Patriots.
As an Indianapolis Colts fan, we were at one point
(27:25):
in the AFC East, so we were direct rivals. Then
the hate continued even further when I had to listen
to his ass every damn day of this season on Fox.
Speaker 6 (27:34):
And I'm like, Fox, please don't be like that, get away,
get away from this man, don't be like that.
Speaker 3 (27:45):
But anyway, super Bowl was coming up, and there are
so many people who are going to be focused on
the game. There are also so many activities that also
happened throughout the week that I don't think enough people
realize or talk about. And I ain't talking about the
parties and stuff because I'm you know, I'll be in
for that too. But there is a typically a she
(28:07):
time women's sports networking brunch that has happened over the
last few years that has been incredible. And that brunch
it is hosted by Latanya's story.
Speaker 6 (28:16):
She's a PR guru, but she has.
Speaker 3 (28:18):
Made this brunch so spectacular that the moment that she
says Okay it's time for tickets, that thing is sold out.
But I know that you have been there. I know
that you've attended, probably attended this year. With all that
being said, how does it feel to be in a
room with so many amazing women and really getting an
opportunity to see how a sport like the NFL really
(28:40):
can draw attention to a fan base that I don't
think it necessarily intended to.
Speaker 5 (28:45):
Yeah, I mean, we can't say enough about what she's
done for this brunch. It's always, you know, in my opinion,
one of the best events of Super Bowl Week to
bring together so many women in sport. I'm excited I'm
be there this year and she's been crushing it. And
I tried to get someone in last minute, and as
already as a wait list, it's almost triple digits the
wait list, I'm gonna tell you that right now. So
(29:06):
it's a tough ticket to get. But I look forward
to her every year. I mean, my hat's after her.
I got so much respect for her and all the
things that she does.
Speaker 2 (29:13):
See, we got to get on I was about to
ask if there was anything.
Speaker 1 (29:18):
So much for that.
Speaker 6 (29:19):
We got to figure out how to get on this list.
Speaker 3 (29:23):
And I want to make sure our listeners know as
we continue to talk about the w NFC, there are
three divisions. And I might have a team near me.
You got a team near you, Cheryl the Houston down Bus.
Speaker 1 (29:35):
Okay, yeah, well I need to know that.
Speaker 6 (29:37):
What are you looking forward to most the Super Bowl Sunday?
Speaker 3 (29:39):
I know, for me, I'm always looking forward to hanging
out with my friends, drinking some beer, eating some food,
and talking cash, money, shit, it don't even matter what
team is there.
Speaker 6 (29:48):
I'm talking ship the entire time.
Speaker 1 (29:50):
Well, we know you ain't drinking beer, though.
Speaker 6 (29:52):
Why you're putting my business in anyway?
Speaker 5 (29:56):
To tell super Bowl Week is a good time. I
kind of refuse to go until I play in one.
You never know. I might show up one day just
because I heard it's incredible to attend live. But I
think it's you want a good game, first of all,
and I think this year we're almost guaranteed a good
game just because there's so many great teams. We're going
(30:17):
to have a good game, and it's going to be
some premier players and obviously working in the league. Now,
as long as I worked in the league, I'm probably
gonna know somebody coaching or playing in it. So I
think it just brings another level just because you want
to see them succeed. You want to see them do
well real quick.
Speaker 2 (30:31):
Because I'm looking at all these footballs you got behind you.
Speaker 1 (30:35):
I would love to know what those are for.
Speaker 2 (30:37):
But before you answer that question, I want to know
what that bottle is sitting up there.
Speaker 5 (30:42):
So I was a part team. I played on the
New York Sharks. We won our league and then we
actually went and played over in the UK and we
played some teams there and we won that tournament and
we got like those bottles after as celebratory items. I
didn't want to spray mine. I wanted to keep it
so I can put it on that listen.
Speaker 1 (31:02):
I had to do a little research.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
Correct me if I'm wrong, because you sitting there talking
about I was player of the game. You were a
seven time All American QB and wide receiver.
Speaker 5 (31:13):
Yep.
Speaker 2 (31:14):
Let the folks know period you You ain't just some
random who decided.
Speaker 1 (31:20):
I don't think I'm betta go coach football.
Speaker 6 (31:22):
I think I just gonna shoot my shot like.
Speaker 5 (31:25):
I did well, had a lot of success, played on
some good teams. I mean, I definitely have that that
to stand on as well in this coaching business that
I've done it, you know, at the high level. Probably
did some more things at the highest level I can
play at than some of my counterparts.
Speaker 6 (31:40):
Like that is it right there?
Speaker 3 (31:41):
It's just understanding that we have all paid our dues
in some way, and it may be a difficult pill
to swallow sometimes when you have paid your dues and
you have played at a high level and you have
performed at a high level, and you still don't feel
like you get the same opportunity to be in a
certain position as some of our male counterparts, to some
of our white counterparts. And so if you could offer
(32:03):
a little bit of advice to maybe someone out there
who was looking to get into this and maybe not
really having the immediate impact that they want to have,
or someone who may feel like they're not being seen, Like,
what advice would you give to them in two in
two ways, One advice in terms of just self confidence
and self motivation, but also advice as far as what
(32:24):
steps can they continually take to be able to put
themselves in the best position to get into coaching at
the highest level.
Speaker 5 (32:30):
The thing about sports, like I said, it's tough. So
if you want to be a coach, you gotta be
fully committed ten toes down. It's not going to always
be easy. You're gonna get a lot of those, but
it's just take one. Yes, you know, that's all you need,
so you know, continue to develop your crafts along the journey.
Because the thing about me, you know, I connected with
coach Rivera, but initially I was only gonna be there
(32:50):
for two days. That was my thing Ricky Minnie Camp.
I was excited about it, and those two days turned
into being with the Panthers for four months, just because
I brought something to the table people. I was ready
when that opportunity to present itself. You got to make
sure your work ethic and your level of competency match
those dreams that you have right now, because you never
know when you're gonna get the opportunity. It might be
(33:11):
the only opportunity, so you gotta be ready to kill it.
That's one of the most important things for me. If
you want to do something, prepare yourself because sometimes you
may not be getting those opportunities yet, you might not
be ready for them. They might be God telling you
slow down a little bit. So make sure you're prepared
so when when the opportunity presents itself, you're able to
put your best foot forward.
Speaker 1 (33:29):
Well that's good, that's good.
Speaker 6 (33:31):
That's a my drop right there.
Speaker 2 (33:32):
I just am in awe of everything you've accomplished and
achieved in your journey and your resiliency. And I know
you gave advice to whoever is listening to this, but
you also spoke to me directly, so I appreciate that, Like,
keep killing it. Keep crushing it and know that it's
so many of us that are watching you. We see you,
(33:53):
we look up to you, we admire you, and keep
doing what you're doing. We appreciate you.
Speaker 3 (33:58):
Thank you so much for coming to hang out with it, Jam.
We look forward to continuing to see you on the
sidelines doing whatever it is that you want to do.
Speaker 6 (34:05):
I cheer for you. I can't actively, but I cheer
for you.
Speaker 5 (34:11):
I had a dollar. If I had a dollar until
somebody told me that I appreciate it. I appreciate the
support I do, i'd.
Speaker 3 (34:17):
Be like, my girl, look good, let's go for it.
That's where I have to leave it. Thanks for hanging
out with us.
Speaker 5 (34:25):
Yeah, of course.
Speaker 3 (34:35):
I have a really great time talking to Jennifer because
I learned a couple of things that I that I
didn't know about her, and.
Speaker 1 (34:42):
I thought I know Jim pretty well. Listen, she taught me.
You probably were like, well, why is Cheryl asking this question?
Speaker 5 (34:48):
In this question?
Speaker 2 (34:49):
And you know, but you you also said it that
I ain't a real football girl. I know just enough
to know what's going on right, but to be able
to and that's why I said to her, I'm a
fan like, I got so much respect for her being
in this male dominated field but holding her own.
Speaker 1 (35:09):
The players respect her, and.
Speaker 2 (35:11):
You know, tee, we we need more women standing up
and doing the things that she's doing in that space.
And uh, kudos to Jen, thank you for coming on
and listen. Taught me a lot about football and a
lot about being.
Speaker 1 (35:27):
A woman, a female, and I love it.
Speaker 3 (35:31):
I love when she mentioned that to the guys that
she works with, like they don't see gender, right, and
it's just it's just I see a person that is
showing me how to be better, how to develop, how
to get better.
Speaker 4 (35:43):
And I I even love that.
Speaker 3 (35:46):
And I thought to bringing us back to basketball, and
I hope that one day, after all these amazing women
who we've seen on the NBA side in the assistancy
in the associate head coaches seat, one day there will
be an owner who also will not necessarily see gender,
(36:06):
but recognize what gender is lacking in the head coaching
positions in the NBA and make the move to not
only create history, but just do the right thing. There
are some amazing minds in basketball that could coach in
the NBA, so hopefully we'll see that one day.
Speaker 4 (36:23):
But we love A big shout out to Jen.
Speaker 3 (36:25):
So as we're getting ready to go and celebrate AU
basketball this week, as we're going to celebrate the Super
Bowl this week, go ahead and level as off a
share with your encouraging words today.
Speaker 2 (36:39):
Well, this one is very short and sweet, and absolutely
we're celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports today, We're
celebrating Super Bowl.
Speaker 1 (36:48):
We're getting ready to celebrate AU for the month of February.
And you know what else we celebrating.
Speaker 4 (36:54):
Tea Black History Month.
Speaker 2 (36:57):
I don't know if you can see Black History Month period,
but it's it says I am Black History. Okay, So
I am going to give you for the month of February.
I'm giving the people a black history quote. Okay, this
(37:17):
was short and sweet, but I feel like where we
are right now, with everything that's going on, it's very necessary.
And this is a Frederick Douglas quote, very short, and
it says, the soul that is within me, no man
can degrade. Let me read that one more time. The
(37:39):
soul that is within me, no man can degrade.
Speaker 4 (37:45):
Period period, take that period.
Speaker 3 (37:49):
The mic has been Mike has been dropped. We're gonna celebrate.
Speaker 4 (37:55):
Oh I need, I needed that for my soul today going.
Speaker 3 (38:00):
To celebrate all of the wonderful, incredible and phenomenal trailblazers
black men and women who have just truly I don't
even we leveling off. I can't even get into it
because part of me is like, yeah, we're lovely.
Speaker 1 (38:16):
But you know what we can get into. We can
get into it for.
Speaker 4 (38:18):
The next episode, for the next episode.
Speaker 3 (38:20):
But on as far as as far as this quote today, Cheryl,
absolutely necessary and needed in this time for both of us.
And so for all of you out there listening, thank
you so much for continuing to listen to Levels to this.
We will be back next week with more Next Level
conversations just about the real shit that we go through
as women, and I genuinely feel our next show is
(38:43):
a show that you guys are certainly not gonna want
to miss. But remember this isn't just our show, it's
our show, so we want to hear from you. Leave
us a review in Apple Podcasts, where you can email
us at Levels to this podcast at gmail dot com.
Tell us what you thought of this show or maybe
what you might want to talk about on another show.
You can also follow us on Instagram at ltt pod
(39:04):
and you definitely want to follow us.
Speaker 4 (39:06):
You could see this video that I was talking about Cheryl.
Speaker 3 (39:08):
Until then, keep your mentals round level and we will
be Fatation week.
Speaker 6 (39:14):
You love me.
Speaker 1 (39:16):
And pick yourself up a fan.
Speaker 2 (39:22):
Base. Listen to Levels to this on America's number one
podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search
levels to this with Cheryl Swoops and Treka Foster Brasbee
and start listening
Levels to.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
This is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with
Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on
the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Hey, what's up, everybody? It's your girl? Trica Foster Brassby.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
What's up y'all? Is your girl?
Speaker 3 (00:19):
Cheryl Swoops And this is the levels to this podcast,
the show where we share that it's levels to the
shit that women go through and we have got such
a fun show lined up today. First, I have to
acknowledge that we are recording this podcast on a Wednesday,
and it also just so happens to be National Girls
(00:40):
and Women in Sports Day. Let me make sure I
get that right, so shout out yes. So first we
have got to shout out all of the women who
have paved the way for those of us who continue
to be trailblazers in sports. Share some encouragement to those
young ladies who are continuing to make some noise and
(01:02):
make waves in sport and literally find a way to
continue to keep our young girls in sport. Percentage of
show that you know between the six and eighth grade
is typically when young women kind of even fall out
of the sports realm. But like as schro can attest to,
as I can attest to, sports has.
Speaker 4 (01:21):
Literally been really the gateway.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
And the catalyst to so many incredible and important things
in our lives. And so we have got to continue
to show out and show love for national girls and
women in sport day and I have the pleasure of
watching and listening my girls shrow swoops on a panel
this morning alongside some other incredible women, including Alicia Clark.
Speaker 4 (01:42):
We're both in.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Nashville right now for Athletes Unlimited and Cheryl, you did
an amazing job.
Speaker 5 (01:48):
I really did.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Really I want to piggyback off of what you said
very briefly. If not for those who came before you
and I, there would be you and I in sports
right So, I don't know if we talk about it enough,
so I definitely want to reiterate what you said. It's
also a very important time, right It's a crucial time
(02:12):
for women in sports, with the threat of Title nine
being taken away from not just girls and women, Title
nine affects everybody, So without diving too much into that,
it's a very crucial time for us to remember all
of the women who came before us, everything that they've done,
how they paved the way, and you know, things that
(02:34):
both you and I in different arenas, but you and
I continued to do for those who were coming behind us.
So absolutely happy National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
And it's important that the girls continue to be involved
in sports. And thank you for the compliment. And you
look fly as hell. I the hair is harring.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
I'm loving the polished.
Speaker 5 (03:04):
Whatever.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
I had to do a double take. I was like,
that looks like my girl tea, but uh it is I.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
Had to get it together this morning, and she had
to get it together this morning.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
Yeah, but let.
Speaker 3 (03:17):
Me tell y'all, like Cheryl be on her she'd be
on her business.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
I was.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
I was standing here talking and I was standing here
talking to Ari at first, and I saw like all
these people behind me, and I was like, oh, I
think they think I'm waiting for Sureyl, let me move
out the way. So they kept go in and get
their photos and they pictures and ship. But I want
to share something with you all that was very impactful
this morning. I can't I it was very impactful this morning.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
Quiet because I don't really know what you're.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
Gonna say if it was very impactful this morning. So
you know Ari Chambers love Ari. She was the moderator
on the panel today and one of the things she
asked is can you share something about yourself that is
not on Google. Now that's very difficult for the Hall
of Famer sheeryff Swoop because all a business, it's all
it's on Google. And Cheryl said, you know, I got
(04:05):
this little fan that I carry with me all the
time everywhere.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
You know what, I'll show the people. I'll show the people.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
You ain't got to pretend like you got one this
one and I have it in two other colors tea,
but go ahead to tell you know what I said,
you know what, I think this would be a great
opportunity for me to get some footage for the levels to.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
This podcast Instagram page. So a few moments later I
recorded Cheryl giving her very impowerful speech, and literally when
I put it on the Instagram, someone who knows Cheryl
about as well as I do literally came into comments
and was like, look at that fan. She got that
fan everywhere, And I said, well, damn, I ain't even
(04:50):
mentioned a fan even she know Cheryl.
Speaker 5 (04:54):
Got this hand.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Jordan, I'm oking this caller out around because I know,
I know was Jordan.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
I thought you and you and I had.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
A better understanding and a better relationship than this.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
But you know what, you know what, I can't wait.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
I can't wait until we for two things, for us
to do our menopause episode, which is coming, and I
can't wait to your hiss menopause.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
How about that? I cannot wait.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Nobody ain't nobody sat but cherylid damn it, she shoulder
got that damn fan.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
And turned it off and turned it off.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
So for all of the women out there who can
relate to what this, this this heap is saying, yep,
I call the heaven what she said?
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Y'all feel my pain?
Speaker 6 (05:55):
You do?
Speaker 5 (05:55):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (05:56):
I can't wait.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
And when the time comes, whether we're doing this this podcast,
wherever we.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
Are the world team, just call you?
Speaker 4 (06:07):
Can I get my fans from?
Speaker 3 (06:08):
Where's the best place to buy mine?
Speaker 2 (06:10):
I tell?
Speaker 1 (06:12):
And I ain't telling. I ain't telling.
Speaker 5 (06:15):
Oh my god, it's hilarious.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Well, folks, we have a great show lined up today
because as it is National Girls and Women in.
Speaker 6 (06:24):
Sports Day, we have a woman joining our show.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Today who quite literally has blaze trails in the national
Football League because it's also Super Bowl week, you know.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
What I mean.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
And my team ain't in it. Shirld's team ain't in it.
We just we just sitting here watching. No we watching
them to be watching because it's the Eagles and the chief.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
I'm watching for the commercial.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
See, I'm watching for neverm ain't.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
I'm watching for the commercial.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
You know, I play a little. What I do every
every every Super Bowl, I play a little. I'm watching
for Jalen Jalen Frying.
Speaker 4 (07:01):
I'm watching for Jaileen.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
It is yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Can I say this since you brought that football?
Speaker 2 (07:12):
So football is the one sport to me, not all,
but where most of the guys, right when you look
at him.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Like oh okay, he's fine, or he's.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Got a nice pot or whatever, and then they take
the helmet off, what is it?
Speaker 5 (07:31):
You know what's crazy?
Speaker 6 (07:32):
Shit?
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Some football players I don't even know what they look
like with their helmet off. Like there are some football
players that I'm like, if you put your helmet of,
I don't need the jersey.
Speaker 4 (07:41):
I just need the.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Helmet and then I can tell who you are from
the body shape. Yeah, but there are some oh wow,
that's because you're a real football. Hear about a body shape,
And yes, I am objectifying the men at this moment.
Speaker 6 (07:54):
I mean, I just wanted.
Speaker 3 (07:55):
To be very clear of what I'm doing right now.
I am absolutely objectifying they do. That's why I feel
like it's.
Speaker 6 (08:02):
Fair to get my turn.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
They do that, they do that to on the side. Yeah,
go ahehad go ahead. I'm gonna say, I'm gonna sit
here and give you the no, you got it, you
got it.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
I'm just I'm just letting y'all know that I'm objectifying
these men in this moment. And I don't need nobody
coming for me talking about as a professional. And she's
talking about how these men look, Yes, because they fine,
it's l They're fine.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
They're gonna girl, they're gonna, they're gonna come for me
to But yeah, but we is it Sheryl and Tarka married?
Aren't they married?
Speaker 3 (08:29):
And I tell I will be the first to say facts.
I may not be able to order, but I.
Speaker 4 (08:34):
Can absolutely still look at the menu. Okay, not blind.
I can still look at the menu.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
I might not be able to grab me a little
entre that's cool, maybe not a little snack that's cool. No,
but I'm but I'll leave it this menu though, and
be that looks amazing. If I could order that might
be my one.
Speaker 4 (08:55):
That's all I'm saying.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
So, folks, we are going to be joined by none
other than Jennifer King, the first woman to be a
full time assistant head assistant coach excuse me in the NFL,
and jin boy, she breaks it down for us.
Speaker 4 (09:15):
So let's just go ahead and take it to the
next level.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
I have to say that I know that Ryl is
a basketball girl, right, but it's Super Bowl week and
so that's gonna interrupt you right now.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Don't don't just put me out there like I'm only
a basketball girl.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
When I tell you that there is a level. See
you remind me of the China.
Speaker 6 (09:43):
You go ahead.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
I'm gonna let you finish.
Speaker 6 (09:48):
China. China.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
So here's a little difference, right, China doesn't really do
football for real, but she will fake it until she
makes it right. She goes to the game, she will
support like You'll be like, yay, let's go.
Speaker 6 (10:01):
But then you ask her a football question, She'll be like, girl,
I don't know that. Don't ask me that, like you.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
Are so putting me on blast right now. In front
of company.
Speaker 6 (10:12):
This is warm in my soul. Okay for today's guest,
because I know.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
This is gonna be an excellent show, especially given that
Cheryl is gonna be like, go Texans and then you
ask her a question that she'll.
Speaker 6 (10:27):
Be like, girl, why are you asking me that I
don't know?
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Yeah, it is it is. It is go Texans all day?
Speaker 6 (10:32):
Uh huh.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
So come I went to football questions. Let's go, come on,
let's who's the quarterback? Shirl c J strou Look at you.
Don't don't play with me.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
Don't play with me, team, don't play with me.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Said Oh Today show man, I'm so excited to welcome
in Chicago Bears assistant Listen, known for being one of
the first black woman to serve as a full time
NFL coach when she was named the running back coach
for the Washington Commanders.
Speaker 6 (11:01):
I am so excited to welcome my what.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
Before you welcome her, say that one more time?
Speaker 1 (11:06):
The first what, the first.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Black female to be named let's go time, and that's
as the coach.
Speaker 6 (11:15):
Let's go. Let's get it, my girl. Jennifer King, what's up?
Speaker 1 (11:20):
Let's sucking good?
Speaker 2 (11:22):
I'm so sorry you had to get in the middle
of that domestic situation. There she's showing, She's showing out
in front of company.
Speaker 6 (11:31):
That's the lego in me, Jen, what's going on?
Speaker 2 (11:34):
So happy you're here, Sam, I'm gonna be quiet and
let Tea do her thing. Since it's since I'm a
basketball girl and I'm a football.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
Well, guess what. You know what's dope? What's dope about this?
It's that Jennifer is also a basketball girl. Because Jen
actually coached and took a team to a ship. So
let's start there, right, like, how did you make this transition?
Because you were a basketball girl a football girl, and
now we're looking at you coaching in the NFL. How
(12:04):
did we make that transition? How did that sp I.
Speaker 5 (12:06):
Mean, I've lived like ten lives, I feel like, But
long story short, I was coaching college basketball for nine years.
I was a head coach for two and a half,
and you know, like you said, I was able to
take a team to a national championship. So I was
right next door to the Carolina Panthers facility, ended up
meeting their head coach. Shot my shot, and ustbly here
we are. You know, it was a lot to happen
(12:27):
in between that I played football as well for thirteen seasons.
But that's how I got here. People thought I was crazy,
obviously to leave basketball after winning national championship just to
go to football. And I moved to Arizona for my
first football job. I had never even been to Arizona.
I just picked up and moved.
Speaker 6 (12:42):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
I got a question for those who are listening when
you say you shot your shot, because there are probably
a lot of people that are in situations like that
and they're like, if I only get that opportunity to
shoot my shot, Like, when you shot your shot, what
did you say?
Speaker 5 (12:56):
Essentially, I was at before him with other women who
want to work and football coach Rivera was the head
coach of the Panthers, So even though our facilities were
next door in Charlotte, I met him in Florida and
I got at a round table with him, and I
just let him know who I was, where I was,
and he was like, let's connect when we get back
to North Carolina, and that's what we did. I was
so focused. One of my friends at that table and
(13:17):
I didn't even remember that she was there, so I
was locked in.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Wow, I want to follow up with something because I
think it's very important that we have this conversation, especially
when you say that he was like, let's follow up
when we get back to North Carolina, right, Because lots
of times Jen, you know this, and to you to
to when you're at an event or somewhere and you're
meeting somebody, they're like, yeah, let's connect when we get back.
People never follow through with that, or sometimes people say that.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
Just to be like girl, leave me alone.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Was there ever a moment and I know you said
you were focused, right, but was there ever a moment
in there before you got back home where you were like,
he really didn't mean it.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
We're not gonna connect, you know what I mean? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (13:57):
No, I guess I had this optimism about the city
situation that never crossed my mind that he was just
blowing me off. And I guess how we met and
where we met. No, let me know that he was
serious because it was like a women's forum. He didn't
have to be there to start with, so okay for
him to be there, let me know he was serious
about it. So I didn't really think that he was
trying to play me anyway.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
You know what, that's a good point that you bring
up too, because I have heard, and I know we
all have heard, and for those out there who have
not heard, there have been over the last few years
several forums and initiatives and things that the NFL specifically
has said that they were putting together to help bring
more women into the NFL space. And there's been a
(14:38):
few of us who have been very I don't want
to say optimistic, because we ain't really been that optimistic.
Speaker 6 (14:44):
We've actually been a.
Speaker 3 (14:45):
Little bit more reserved and like, let's see how this
works out. And I will say why I know I
specifically have felt that way is because as a lifelong
football fan and NFL fan, I've seen what was supposed
to happen with the Rooney Rule, and so I been
thinking to myself, the Rooney Rule ain't really done a
great job of bringing in new black head coaches or
black coaches in general.
Speaker 6 (15:06):
Were still out here trying to make something shake right.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
We're wondering why all these great offensive coordinators and defensive
coordinators are not getting head coaching positions right.
Speaker 6 (15:14):
So, when I saw this.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
Initiative that came out maybe around twenty sixteen seventeen, around
that time that was supposed to be specifically geared towards
helping women move into different spaces in the NFL. I
was like, I don't know, We're just gonna have to
see how this works out. So I think it speaks
a lot to what happens to make these things happen
(15:37):
and make these things.
Speaker 6 (15:38):
Work the way they're supposed to.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
Is because you not only need to have an investment
from the league itself, but you certainly have to have
investment from those who are in those positions already, like
head coaches, like current coordinators, like current front office executives,
like they have to buy into that as well. In
your experience, how have you seen or how would you
(15:59):
category rise, how some executives or how some indecision making
positions have really tried to move initiatives forward to help
give women more opportunities.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
Yeah, I mean I think at the league level, like
the league is all about diversity and diversifying the league,
the problem a lot of times, I think comes at
the team level because obviously the teams can do what
they want, the league can have aspirations to doing this
and doing that, but ultim when it comes down to
ownership to the people that make decisions there and you know,
I do think it's getting better. Obviously there's always room
(16:29):
to grow, but now I think even with the women's form,
I think almost all the teams are now participating and
have representation there. And usually by representations it is ownership
or head coach or decision maker within that organization.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
Just out of curiosity, I'm not trying to put you
on the spot. And I don't know if you know this,
because I definitely don't. Do you know how many female
coaches are in the NFL.
Speaker 5 (16:51):
Off the top of my head, I don't like on
field there's like two or three of us, but then
there's a pretty good number of strength coaches now like
almost don't strength coaches me.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
It's not any different coaching in the NFL coaching the
NBA as a woman. I've talked to more people on
the NBA side as far as coaches and assistants, wondering
how male players react to a female coaching them. What
has been your experience from day one to where you
(17:21):
are today?
Speaker 5 (17:22):
From day one, I think I saw that the players
could literally care less if you can provide them with
the information they need. Obviously, in the NFL is a
tough lead. Everybody wants to play in it, very few can.
So if they're on the team and you can provide
them with the information they need to be better or
to stay on the team, they literally could care less
where it's coming from. And it's all about building those
authentic relationships. It's something that I stand on to be
(17:45):
able to know them, to know their family, know their girlfriends,
their kids, at least what's going on in their lives
because they know so much with connecting with them as
a coach, when you know those things as well, so
it's never just football with me. So I'm able to
connect on football but also life.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Well, like, I'm really in awe of you right now.
To me, listen, I'm gonna go.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
I'm gonna go to Tea's point. And I know I
think she was joking maybe not to be.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Like Cheryl's a basketball girl. Yeah, I grew up.
Speaker 6 (18:11):
I was joking you want, but.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
You weren't Because listen, I think I'm a little better
than La China.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
I know a little bit more about football.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
But if I sit at the table, I'm not going
to have a football conversation, right I'm gonna have a
basketball conversation. So when I think about you being an
assistant coach. I'm just like, what the hell, what do
you do? Do you get out there and like show
them your skills?
Speaker 1 (18:36):
You do? Do you know what I'm saying?
Speaker 6 (18:37):
Like you you are a badass to be.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Doing what you're doing in the NFL.
Speaker 5 (18:41):
I appreciate that, Carell. I think it helped that I
played thirteen season as a quarterback, so they know that
it gives me a little bit of props from them
as well. And you know, at this point, they usually
know somebody who have played in some of the women's
leads as well, so it's not like a shock to
them when they know that I played. The guys are great,
the coaches that I work with, they've been great. It
hasn't really been a thing. I really don't even think
(19:03):
about it because no one else makes it a thing. Yeah,
but shout out to them, because obviously it cannot go
that way. And I'm speaking for myself. I don't know
everyone else's experience is to working in the league. But
big shout out to the guys that I've worked with,
the coaches that have hired me, the players that I've had.
It's been pretty cool.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
Yeah, you actually touched on exactly where I was getting
ready to go, because you know how many times I
wanted to smack somebody in the face when we having
a conversation.
Speaker 6 (19:25):
About whatever, and they'll be like, hell, you ain't never played.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
First of all, I did play wide receiver and I
got you off a slam one time, and I decided
I would be best to be a cheerleader that that
kind of hurt.
Speaker 6 (19:37):
I was like, WHOA, I don't know if this is
exactly what I want to do.
Speaker 3 (19:41):
But with that being said, you haven't played thirteen seasons
in the Women's Football Alliance. Just if you can share
with our audience a little bit about that league. I
know it's a full contact sport, so me getting hit
off of slant ain't shit compared to probably which y'all
was really getting hit off of that league.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
And it's tackle, right, yeah, we tackle football? Yeah yeah,
yeah yeah.
Speaker 5 (20:02):
So right now, there are two major leagues. There's the
WFA and then the WNFC, which I'm actually on the
board of, So we'll talk about the WNFC, but they're
one of the premier leagues. There's some really good athletes
playing at a very high level and it's entertaining and
the championship is always at the start down in Dallas
as well, and I feel like the level of playing
competition just gets better and better than the athletes grow.
(20:24):
There's a lot of former leadiate athletes pro athletes now
switched over to play football.
Speaker 3 (20:29):
I really love that because that's the thing that bugs
me more than anything, and that really ties into the
whole point of our conversation today, which is there are
women doing some very incredible things, and sometimes that means
that we have to step into spaces that were not
always open to us. And for a very long time,
it feels like the NFL hasn't been open to us,
(20:49):
even just in general conversation. Not necessarily the league, but
I mean just the mindset of some people who are
very small and don't understand that women can kill sceptually
understand football. I look at Mina Kimes as someone who's
probably forgotten more football than I'll ever know, and oh
my god, and the way that she's able to express
(21:11):
and analyze and break down, and it's like there are
still some who don't understand the kind of vitriol that
sometimes women experience when they're trying to get into these spaces,
and so I think it's incredibly important for people to
know and hear your story because the level of success
that you've attained as it relates to being able to
get into the space, have the kind of experiences that
(21:34):
you've had, it's important for those who want to come
into this. I'm even a little bit more curious to
go a little bit back a little further, because I'd
like to know how you even found out about participating
as a participant in women's football. It's not something that
is always advertised or it's not something that if you
don't necessarily know to look for that you can find.
(21:56):
So I'd love to even know how did you even
switch from softball in basketball to getting into football.
Speaker 5 (22:02):
Yeah. I mean I grew up in a small town
in North Carolina where football was huge. My parents never
let me play, even though I was pretty good as
a kid. But then ultimately, when I graduated college, I
had a chance to play some ball overseas for a
little bit, and then when I got back, I was like,
what am I going to do? I found a lady
I was playing pick up with, she was playing on
the team, and she invited me out, and that was
(22:22):
pretty much a rap from there. I didn't want to
play basketball no more. I was just I know it
was wild, but I went and tried out the next thing,
I know, I'm all in. That's how I got involved.
And I think now you see it on social media
or you know someone that knows someone that plays. So
I think it's a little easier now than it was
when I started. But obviously it's still a room to go,
(22:44):
and I think they're making great strides to make it
a household sport.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
When people talk to me about who will be the
first female to coach in the NBA, right, it bothers
me because I'm like, it shouldn't even really be a
conversation or an issue because women are very qualified to
do that, and I'm talking about as a head coach.
Speaker 6 (23:14):
Not an assistant.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
Now I'm going to ask you the question people ask me,
would you someday like to be a head coach in
the NFL?
Speaker 5 (23:22):
Oh? Sure, I'm just gonna put me on the spot.
Speaker 6 (23:23):
Huh A period, that's what we do.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Yeah, I thought you knew.
Speaker 5 (23:31):
Oh no, I didn't know, but here we are. It's
one of those things that you know, I just continue
to grow as a coach, even when I was coaching basketball.
I was an assistant, I learned, I grew as a
coach and ultimately became a head coach, and I was
successful at it. I think in football it can be
a similar path to me, just to continue to grow
as a coach. Now I look too far ahead and
(23:52):
see what happens in the future, and I would love
to be a head coach one day.
Speaker 2 (23:55):
Maybe I'm asking like crazy questions because it is football
to me, because basketball. When people ask me some of
these questions that I'm probably asking you, you're probably like what,
But like as far as mentoring, right, Like, I know
so many young girls and little girls who they have
those mentors in every sport, and I'm assuming with football,
(24:15):
do you mentor young girls who someday aspire to do
what you're doing?
Speaker 5 (24:21):
Yeah, I mean there's a lot of people kind of
in contact with There's some in college now who are
working with their college teams. I think the future for
women working in football is super bright. There's a lot
of women doing great things, and like just kind of perspective.
When I started with the form that I went to
in twenty eighteen, everybody there had other jobs trying to
get into football. And then last year at the forum,
(24:43):
everybody that participated was already working in football at the
college level or some at the pro level. So I
think it just shows the growth over four or five
years that can happen. And it's not just coaching people
on the operation side, pr doing all the types of
different things, but actually coaching on the football field. There's
still a bunch of women that they're coming up. They're
doing a really good job. I mean, obviously the Buffalo Bills,
(25:04):
she's doing a great job, and obviously they're having a
great season.
Speaker 6 (25:06):
I know it can't be easy.
Speaker 3 (25:07):
There has to be some challenges that I think most
people facing, no matter what profession that they're in. Can
you talk about what maybe some of those challenges are
that you face?
Speaker 1 (25:16):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (25:18):
Yeah, I think the hardest part for us is that
people don't realize how we work. And it's tough. You know,
it takes its toll. You know, obviously we're out of
the season now to't finally gets some rest.
Speaker 6 (25:27):
But I ain't want to say nothing.
Speaker 5 (25:29):
Yeah, but season, we're working, you know, sixteen hour days
almost every day. It's a lot that goes into us
getting ready to play on Sundays and whenever that game
is I think a lot of people just see the game.
They don't really understand what goes on behind it. So
you sacrifice a lot. You're gonna miss a bunch of holidays,
you're gonna miss birthdays, a lot of friend trip. So
(25:50):
I think that's one of the biggest sacrifices you have
to make and be prepared to make when you step
into this industry and it's tough. You know everybody, it's
a lot of coaches that want to work in the NFL.
It's very tough and competitive. So to be fired and
rehired was really big for me because they always say
you're not a coach in the NFL TA you get fired.
So I've been there and I was able to get
rehired again, so they lets me know that I'm doing
(26:11):
something right.
Speaker 2 (26:11):
I am going to put you on the spot again,
only because you were an amazing quarterback yourself.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
I want your thoughts on Shador Sanders.
Speaker 5 (26:20):
I haven't really watched tape on him. I just seen
him play on TV because like everybody else, yeah, I
got the sweatshirt and everything, But I think one thing
about him, without even watching tape, is that he's been
successful like every level. But obviously just watching on TV,
he's talented, he has a big arm. Without watching tape
(26:40):
to really evaluate him, I'm excited to see what he
can do in the NFL. And obviously it's a big
step for any kid leaving college coming to the league.
It's a big step, Like I don't care who you are.
But I think the thing about him that I like
is that obviously he's out likes to have a good time,
but he works his butt off, Like you see him
working with Tom Brady and wanting to be better. I
never see him like satisfied where he's where he is.
(27:02):
So I'm excited for now.
Speaker 3 (27:04):
Y'all know I'm Tom Brady's biggest hater, so you could
have left that Thomas the whole government the moment he
walked on the campus of ann Arbor, and then continue
the moment he became a member of the New England Patriots.
As an Indianapolis Colts fan, we were at one point
(27:25):
in the AFC East, so we were direct rivals. Then
the hate continued even further when I had to listen
to his ass every damn day of this season on Fox.
Speaker 6 (27:34):
And I'm like, Fox, please don't be like that, get away,
get away from this man, don't be like that.
Speaker 3 (27:45):
But anyway, super Bowl was coming up, and there are
so many people who are going to be focused on
the game. There are also so many activities that also
happened throughout the week that I don't think enough people
realize or talk about. And I ain't talking about the
parties and stuff because I'm you know, I'll be in
for that too. But there is a typically a she
(28:07):
time women's sports networking brunch that has happened over the
last few years that has been incredible. And that brunch
it is hosted by Latanya's story.
Speaker 6 (28:16):
She's a PR guru, but she has.
Speaker 3 (28:18):
Made this brunch so spectacular that the moment that she
says Okay it's time for tickets, that thing is sold out.
But I know that you have been there. I know
that you've attended, probably attended this year. With all that
being said, how does it feel to be in a
room with so many amazing women and really getting an
opportunity to see how a sport like the NFL really
(28:40):
can draw attention to a fan base that I don't
think it necessarily intended to.
Speaker 5 (28:45):
Yeah, I mean, we can't say enough about what she's
done for this brunch. It's always, you know, in my opinion,
one of the best events of Super Bowl Week to
bring together so many women in sport. I'm excited I'm
be there this year and she's been crushing it. And
I tried to get someone in last minute, and as
already as a wait list, it's almost triple digits the
wait list, I'm gonna tell you that right now. So
(29:06):
it's a tough ticket to get. But I look forward
to her every year. I mean, my hat's after her.
I got so much respect for her and all the
things that she does.
Speaker 2 (29:13):
See, we got to get on I was about to
ask if there was anything.
Speaker 1 (29:18):
So much for that.
Speaker 6 (29:19):
We got to figure out how to get on this list.
Speaker 3 (29:23):
And I want to make sure our listeners know as
we continue to talk about the w NFC, there are
three divisions. And I might have a team near me.
You got a team near you, Cheryl the Houston down Bus.
Speaker 1 (29:35):
Okay, yeah, well I need to know that.
Speaker 6 (29:37):
What are you looking forward to most the Super Bowl Sunday?
Speaker 3 (29:39):
I know, for me, I'm always looking forward to hanging
out with my friends, drinking some beer, eating some food,
and talking cash, money, shit, it don't even matter what
team is there.
Speaker 6 (29:48):
I'm talking ship the entire time.
Speaker 1 (29:50):
Well, we know you ain't drinking beer, though.
Speaker 6 (29:52):
Why you're putting my business in anyway?
Speaker 5 (29:56):
To tell super Bowl Week is a good time. I
kind of refuse to go until I play in one.
You never know. I might show up one day just
because I heard it's incredible to attend live. But I
think it's you want a good game, first of all,
and I think this year we're almost guaranteed a good
game just because there's so many great teams. We're going
(30:17):
to have a good game, and it's going to be
some premier players and obviously working in the league. Now,
as long as I worked in the league, I'm probably
gonna know somebody coaching or playing in it. So I
think it just brings another level just because you want
to see them succeed. You want to see them do
well real quick.
Speaker 2 (30:31):
Because I'm looking at all these footballs you got behind you.
Speaker 1 (30:35):
I would love to know what those are for.
Speaker 2 (30:37):
But before you answer that question, I want to know
what that bottle is sitting up there.
Speaker 5 (30:42):
So I was a part team. I played on the
New York Sharks. We won our league and then we
actually went and played over in the UK and we
played some teams there and we won that tournament and
we got like those bottles after as celebratory items. I
didn't want to spray mine. I wanted to keep it
so I can put it on that listen.
Speaker 1 (31:02):
I had to do a little research.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
Correct me if I'm wrong, because you sitting there talking
about I was player of the game. You were a
seven time All American QB and wide receiver.
Speaker 5 (31:13):
Yep.
Speaker 2 (31:14):
Let the folks know period you You ain't just some
random who decided.
Speaker 1 (31:20):
I don't think I'm betta go coach football.
Speaker 6 (31:22):
I think I just gonna shoot my shot like.
Speaker 5 (31:25):
I did well, had a lot of success, played on
some good teams. I mean, I definitely have that that
to stand on as well in this coaching business that
I've done it, you know, at the high level. Probably
did some more things at the highest level I can
play at than some of my counterparts.
Speaker 6 (31:40):
Like that is it right there?
Speaker 3 (31:41):
It's just understanding that we have all paid our dues
in some way, and it may be a difficult pill
to swallow sometimes when you have paid your dues and
you have played at a high level and you have
performed at a high level, and you still don't feel
like you get the same opportunity to be in a
certain position as some of our male counterparts, to some
of our white counterparts. And so if you could offer
(32:03):
a little bit of advice to maybe someone out there
who was looking to get into this and maybe not
really having the immediate impact that they want to have,
or someone who may feel like they're not being seen, Like,
what advice would you give to them in two in
two ways, One advice in terms of just self confidence
and self motivation, but also advice as far as what
(32:24):
steps can they continually take to be able to put
themselves in the best position to get into coaching at
the highest level.
Speaker 5 (32:30):
The thing about sports, like I said, it's tough. So
if you want to be a coach, you gotta be
fully committed ten toes down. It's not going to always
be easy. You're gonna get a lot of those, but
it's just take one. Yes, you know, that's all you need,
so you know, continue to develop your crafts along the journey.
Because the thing about me, you know, I connected with
coach Rivera, but initially I was only gonna be there
(32:50):
for two days. That was my thing Ricky Minnie Camp.
I was excited about it, and those two days turned
into being with the Panthers for four months, just because
I brought something to the table people. I was ready
when that opportunity to present itself. You got to make
sure your work ethic and your level of competency match
those dreams that you have right now, because you never
know when you're gonna get the opportunity. It might be
(33:11):
the only opportunity, so you gotta be ready to kill it.
That's one of the most important things for me. If
you want to do something, prepare yourself because sometimes you
may not be getting those opportunities yet, you might not
be ready for them. They might be God telling you
slow down a little bit. So make sure you're prepared
so when when the opportunity presents itself, you're able to
put your best foot forward.
Speaker 1 (33:29):
Well that's good, that's good.
Speaker 6 (33:31):
That's a my drop right there.
Speaker 2 (33:32):
I just am in awe of everything you've accomplished and
achieved in your journey and your resiliency. And I know
you gave advice to whoever is listening to this, but
you also spoke to me directly, so I appreciate that, Like,
keep killing it. Keep crushing it and know that it's
so many of us that are watching you. We see you,
(33:53):
we look up to you, we admire you, and keep
doing what you're doing. We appreciate you.
Speaker 3 (33:58):
Thank you so much for coming to hang out with it, Jam.
We look forward to continuing to see you on the
sidelines doing whatever it is that you want to do.
Speaker 6 (34:05):
I cheer for you. I can't actively, but I cheer
for you.
Speaker 5 (34:11):
I had a dollar. If I had a dollar until
somebody told me that I appreciate it. I appreciate the
support I do, i'd.
Speaker 3 (34:17):
Be like, my girl, look good, let's go for it.
That's where I have to leave it. Thanks for hanging
out with us.
Speaker 5 (34:25):
Yeah, of course.
Speaker 3 (34:35):
I have a really great time talking to Jennifer because
I learned a couple of things that I that I
didn't know about her, and.
Speaker 1 (34:42):
I thought I know Jim pretty well. Listen, she taught me.
You probably were like, well, why is Cheryl asking this question?
Speaker 5 (34:48):
In this question?
Speaker 2 (34:49):
And you know, but you you also said it that
I ain't a real football girl. I know just enough
to know what's going on right, but to be able
to and that's why I said to her, I'm a
fan like, I got so much respect for her being
in this male dominated field but holding her own.
Speaker 1 (35:09):
The players respect her, and.
Speaker 2 (35:11):
You know, tee, we we need more women standing up
and doing the things that she's doing in that space.
And uh, kudos to Jen, thank you for coming on
and listen. Taught me a lot about football and a
lot about being.
Speaker 1 (35:27):
A woman, a female, and I love it.
Speaker 3 (35:31):
I love when she mentioned that to the guys that
she works with, like they don't see gender, right, and
it's just it's just I see a person that is
showing me how to be better, how to develop, how
to get better.
Speaker 4 (35:43):
And I I even love that.
Speaker 3 (35:46):
And I thought to bringing us back to basketball, and
I hope that one day, after all these amazing women
who we've seen on the NBA side in the assistancy
in the associate head coaches seat, one day there will
be an owner who also will not necessarily see gender,
(36:06):
but recognize what gender is lacking in the head coaching
positions in the NBA and make the move to not
only create history, but just do the right thing. There
are some amazing minds in basketball that could coach in
the NBA, so hopefully we'll see that one day.
Speaker 4 (36:23):
But we love A big shout out to Jen.
Speaker 3 (36:25):
So as we're getting ready to go and celebrate AU
basketball this week, as we're going to celebrate the Super
Bowl this week, go ahead and level as off a
share with your encouraging words today.
Speaker 2 (36:39):
Well, this one is very short and sweet, and absolutely
we're celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports today, We're
celebrating Super Bowl.
Speaker 1 (36:48):
We're getting ready to celebrate AU for the month of February.
And you know what else we celebrating.
Speaker 4 (36:54):
Tea Black History Month.
Speaker 2 (36:57):
I don't know if you can see Black History Month period,
but it's it says I am Black History. Okay, So
I am going to give you for the month of February.
I'm giving the people a black history quote. Okay, this
(37:17):
was short and sweet, but I feel like where we
are right now, with everything that's going on, it's very necessary.
And this is a Frederick Douglas quote, very short, and
it says, the soul that is within me, no man
can degrade. Let me read that one more time. The
(37:39):
soul that is within me, no man can degrade.
Speaker 4 (37:45):
Period period, take that period.
Speaker 3 (37:49):
The mic has been Mike has been dropped. We're gonna celebrate.
Speaker 4 (37:55):
Oh I need, I needed that for my soul today going.
Speaker 3 (38:00):
To celebrate all of the wonderful, incredible and phenomenal trailblazers
black men and women who have just truly I don't
even we leveling off. I can't even get into it
because part of me is like, yeah, we're lovely.
Speaker 1 (38:16):
But you know what we can get into. We can
get into it for.
Speaker 4 (38:18):
The next episode, for the next episode.
Speaker 3 (38:20):
But on as far as as far as this quote today, Cheryl,
absolutely necessary and needed in this time for both of us.
And so for all of you out there listening, thank
you so much for continuing to listen to Levels to this.
We will be back next week with more Next Level
conversations just about the real shit that we go through
as women, and I genuinely feel our next show is
(38:43):
a show that you guys are certainly not gonna want
to miss. But remember this isn't just our show, it's
our show, so we want to hear from you. Leave
us a review in Apple Podcasts, where you can email
us at Levels to this podcast at gmail dot com.
Tell us what you thought of this show or maybe
what you might want to talk about on another show.
You can also follow us on Instagram at ltt pod
(39:04):
and you definitely want to follow us.
Speaker 4 (39:06):
You could see this video that I was talking about Cheryl.
Speaker 3 (39:08):
Until then, keep your mentals round level and we will
be Fatation week.
Speaker 6 (39:14):
You love me.
Speaker 1 (39:16):
And pick yourself up a fan.
Speaker 2 (39:22):
Base. Listen to Levels to this on America's number one
podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search
levels to this with Cheryl Swoops and Treka Foster Brasbee
and start listening
Hosts And Creators
Terrika Foster-Brasby
Sheryl Swoopes
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