These Gen Z’ers Are Shaping Football Season For Women

Black women are making waves in sports

Jalen Hurts, Odell Beckham Jr. and Travis Kelce aren’t the only reasons to tune into Sunday night football. Behind the scenes are young black women who keep the season in motion. From reporters to social media managers, Gen Z is taking over the sports industry one job at a time. 

Only 10-20 percent of positions in sports are held by women. The margin is usually lower for Black women. But there’s hope! The hashtag #blackwomeninsports has over 4 billion views, proving interest in the field. Some Black women who post using that hashtag work for the NFL or in relation to and document their journeys. Therefore, we’re highlighting five women to honor them for breaking barriers!

Toni Hall

A Player Content Coordinator for the National Football League. She graduated from Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU, with her Bachelor’s in 2019 and her Master’s from the University of Southern California in 2021. Before working at the NFL, she was a Production Assistant at Fox Sports. Her TikTok gives a behind-the-scenes look at her job. 

@tmh830

Day in the life of a social coordinator at the National Football League, but this time a little RUN RICH RUN style. I had the opportunity to work with Rich Eisen, the NFL network and St. Jude to put on the annual RUN RICH RUN event at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Super dope opportunity to raise money for cancer.

♬ original sound – Toni Hall

Katelyne Rubin

Social Media Associate for the Chicago Bears. She graduated from Louisiana State University, and while attending, she worked several athletic internships. She’s relatively new to her role and documents that adjustment on her TikTok. Look forward to more of her day-in-the-life content! 

Raelun O’Neal

Football Communications Assistant for the Atlanta Falcons. She graduated from The University of Alabama in 2022. The joy she has for her role is evident as she documents her work days. Maintaining a brand’s image is challenging, yet she brings the world into her duties like a pro. 

@raelun_brooke

A Day in My Life: NFL Edition as a Football Communications Assistant. Training Camp so far has been fun! #nfl #publicrelations #publicrelationstiktok #blackwomenoftiktok #blackwomeninsports #blacktiktok #nourisheveryyou #findyourgrace #fyp

♬ original sound – Raelun

Kennedy Bright

A sports content creator who holds the girls down! Each season, she explains the ins and outs of football. Her explainer videos receive worldwide praise. Bright’s squad is 40,000 followers deep on TikTok, which has landed her excellent opportunities, such as hosting a draft event for the NFL. If you’re looking to become a master in football by the end of the season, she’s the one to follow. 

@kennedybright24

Come with me to work an NFL draft event back home in Kansas City MISSOURI!! And watch the mystery unfold of who is “Mr. NFL Draft Pick” #SportsForTheGirls #NFLDraft #contentcreator #sportscontentcreator #sportsinfluencer #nfldraftkc #NFLDraft2023 #TyreeWilson

♬ Superhero (Heroes & Villains) – Instrumental – Metro Boomin

Cayla Sweazie

A social media associate at Andscape, ESPN’s subbrand that amplifies Black news in the sports world. Sweazie is a 2022 graduate of Morgan State University. She started working at ESPN as a fellow and moved up to a full-time job. She’s very passionate about her work in sports journalism, which you can tell from her TikToks. As a recent graduate, she’s working her way up the ladder, and we’re excited to witness! 

About the author: Shelby Denise Smith is a full-time Social Media Editor and part-time Freelance Writer. She loves writing about news, wellness, and beauty and hosting impactful conversations with influencers and experts.

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