TOLEDO, Ohio — Fifty years ago, the birth of professional women's football kicked off with the National Women's Football League. Although its existence lasted less than two decades, there's an effort being made to honor the past.
On March 8, former players partnered with HOMAGE, a Columbus-based apparel company, to create the NWFL's first-ever clothing line. The collection includes the Toledo Troopers and a dozen other teams that played during the 1970s and 1980s.
"It's a great thing because these young girls who might not play basketball, softball or track now have the opportunity to play football," former Toledo running back Linda Jefferson said. "Over 60 womens teams in the country, three different divisions. My thing is that don't let anyone tell you what you can't do."
Known as the best to ever play professionally, Jefferson believes these t-shirts will serve as a symbol to inspire young women.
Before Title IX took effect in 1972, the superstar running back began her career in high school. As a rookie, Jefferson tallied more than 1,300 yards and 32 touchdowns in the NWFL.
"The first four games my mother never saw me play because she thought I would get hurt," Jefferson said. "At the fifth game, she saw me play and never missed another game again as she became my biggest fan."
Despite a seven-year pro career, her success led to team prosperity. Five undefeated seasons helped make the Toledo Troopers the winningest team in league history to date.
"I don't consider myself to be the greatest of all time, I consider myself to be a part of the greatest team of all time," Jefferson said. "If it wasn't for them, there would be no me and we were the pioneers."
To this day she meets for breakfast once a month with former teammates to reflect on their playing days.
In 2028, the sport of flag football will be a part of the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Jefferson believes that will only boost interest in womens football but adds there's more to be done.
"The biggest thing is getting the sponsors right now," Jefferson said. "You have all these NFL teams with millions of dollars but society has to get past that women can play football and we're good at what we do."
According to its release, the HOMAGE and NWFL collection offers t-shirts priced at $36 in sizes XS up to 3XL for both men and women. The following teams are included:
- Columbus Pacesetters
- Dallas-Fort Worth Shamrocks
- Detroit Demons
- Houston Hurricanes
- Lawton Tornadoes
- Los Angeles Dandelions
- Middletown Mavericks
- Oklahoma City Dolls
- Philadelphia Queen Dolls
- San Antonio Flames
- San Diego Lobos
- Toledo Troopers
- Tulsa Babes