The real winner of the Super Bowl is San Francisco 49ers’ coach Katie Sowers, who made queer history at the big game
Katie Sowers made Super Bowl history on Sunday (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group/Getty)
San Francisco 49ers’ Katie Sowers made sporting history on Sunday as the first woman – and the first LGBT+ person – to coach a team at the Super Bowl.
Sowers, 33, was the offensive assistant coach for the big game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Although her team lost 31-20, she’s a winner in our books as she’s the first out lesbian to hold the prominent position in the league’s history – and inspired countless people as she did so.
Speaking of her trailblazing role in Super Bowl LIV, America’s biggest sporting event, Sowers told Sky Sports: “Being the first, it is historic. There always has to be a first to make a change but the most important thing is just to make sure I’m not the last.
“I allowed him [head coach Kyle Shanahan] to see who I am, what my dreams and goals were and he truly believed in diversity within the NFL.
“He was happy to help me, which I am so grateful for. He truly became a mentor, taught me the culture, and really led me to where I am.”
If your daughter has a dream of being a football coach in the NFL… or a ballerina… or a professional soccer player.. or a teacher.. or a nurse.. or a doctor.. or an astronaut.. or even PRESIDENT.. just let her know this… She. Can. Do. It. And she will change the world.
— Katie Sowers (@KatieSowers) January 14, 2020
In the past the NFL has been known for being ‘unwelcoming’ towards LGBT+ players, and Soweres previously admitted that her sexuality has previously been a barrier to her career.
“As I was finishing college, I actually got turned down from a volunteer coaching job because I was a lesbian,” she told OutSports in 2017. “I was told, ‘Because of your lifestyle, we ask that you do not come around the team.'”
She said that the experience motivated her further. “Without that experience, I would not be where I am today.”
The efforts of Katie Sowers at the Super Bowl didn’t go unnoticed on social media, where fans have been sharing their appreciation.
Celebrating Katie Sowers, whose powerful story is an inspiration. This Sunday, she’ll become the first woman ever to coach in the Super Bowl. #SBLIV https://t.co/w3yrAOFV5m
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) January 28, 2020
Big congrats to our friend @KatieSowers on that NFC title and for making history! She’ll be the first woman to coach at a Super Bowl. Love to see it. #BeLegendary pic.twitter.com/UvJWF7xcC8
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) January 20, 2020
Thank you @KatieSowers for being a beacon of light for women in sports! You are an inspiration and an amazing role model!
— Mackenzie Cooper (@MackenzieSPM) February 3, 2020
they just showed @KatieSowers on the jumbotron standing next to shanahan and a chorus of women throughout the crowd cheered and now maybe I’m sobbing
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) February 2, 2020
pic.twitter.com/h9cZDT4NEI
— Rhi S (@rhistrat) February 2, 2020
Congratulations to @KatieSowers of the @49ers, who will become the first woman to coach in the #SuperBowl.
You have to see it to be it! ?#NFL #trailblazer https://t.co/pWSGdo2FKI— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 20, 2020
My 4 year old daughter Aubrey asked me this morning if she could coach football like me. I told her about how our favorite NFL team, the 49ers, have a female coach @KatieSowers and here she is recruiting with me and watching film! https://t.co/PX7qKrrTyb pic.twitter.com/EMgX7XDT4t
— Cody Baethke (@CodyBaethke) January 28, 2020
