Autumn Lockwood’s name belongs in bold, capital letters. She isn’t just part of history—she’s shaping it.
In 2023, Lockwood became the first Black woman to coach in a Super Bowl, serving as an assistant sports performance coach for the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. That moment was groundbreaking, but she wasn’t done yet. Fast forward to today, and she has taken it even further, becoming the first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl—a monumental achievement in a league that has long struggled with diversity in its coaching ranks.
Breaking Barriers in the NFL
Lockwood’s rise in the NFL is nothing short of historic. While the league has made strides in increasing diversity among players, coaching staffs remain overwhelmingly white and male. As of 2024, less than one percent of full-time NFL coaching positions have been held by women, let alone Black women. The fact that Lockwood has reached this level and won on the biggest stage in football is a testament to her skill, resilience, and determination.
Her path to the NFL wasn’t a straight line—it was a journey paved with dedication and a deep knowledge of sports performance. She earned her degree in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Arizona, specializing in human performance and athletic development. From there, she honed her expertise as a strength and conditioning coach at East Tennessee State University and the University of Houston, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure athletes were at their physical peak.
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Her big break came when she joined the Atlanta Falcons through the prestigious Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. The program, designed to increase opportunities for minority coaches, provided her with invaluable experience and exposure in the NFL. That opportunity set the stage for her move to the Philadelphia Eagles, where she made history for the first time in 2023.
Now, with a Super Bowl ring to her name, she has officially cemented her legacy.
A Victory That Means More
Lockwood’s success isn’t just about her—it’s about what her victory represents. In a sport where Black women have long been overlooked for leadership roles, her win serves as an undeniable statement:
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- Black women belong in coaching.
- Black women belong in leadership.
- Black women belong in the NFL.
Her impact reaches far beyond the field. For every young Black girl who has ever dreamed of working in sports, Lockwood is proof that it’s possible. She’s showing the next generation that they don’t have to settle for being fans—they can be decision-makers, strategists, and leaders.
Her presence on the sidelines is more than symbolic. It’s about changing perceptions and proving that expertise in football isn’t limited to a particular race or gender. The game is evolving, and Lockwood is at the forefront of that change.
The Future of Women in the NFL
Lockwood isn’t alone in breaking barriers. In recent years, the NFL has seen an increase in women coaching across various teams. Names like Jennifer King (Washington Commanders), Katie Sowers (formerly 49ers), and Lori Locust (formerly Buccaneers) have helped blaze a trail, but Lockwood’s Super Bowl win takes representation to another level.
Her success sends a powerful message to NFL teams: diverse coaching staffs create winning environments. The hope is that Lockwood’s rise will encourage teams to expand their hiring practices and provide more opportunities for Black women in coaching roles—not just in performance-based positions but in strategy, player development, and even head coaching roles.
If there’s one thing her win proves, it’s that football intelligence isn’t defined by gender or skin color—it’s defined by knowledge, work ethic, and leadership.
