Earlier this year, Washington’s new head coach Ron Rivera made history by hiring Jennifer King. King spent time as a coaching intern under Rivera while he was the Panthers’ head coach. She becomes the first Black woman to be hired as a full-time assistant coach in the National Football League. Her role will be working with Washington’s running backs including one of the GOATs Adrian Peterson. She spent some time with Sports As Told By A Girl to talk about a crazy first year, the idea of games with no fans, and the importance of representation.
How are you? How have you stayed busy in quarantine? I bet you didn’t expect your first season to be like this!
I’m doing well! We never really stopped working so I’ve been busy doing a bunch of Zoom meetings and preparing for the season. I definitely didn’t expect to get to know my guys virtually. I’ve physically only met one of them in person which is insane but has been the new normal for us and I think things have gone very well so far virtually.
What do you think about the possibility of playing games with no fans?
Games with no fans would be so strange. The fans bring a certain energy and vibe that will be missed, but I’m hoping we will be able to have some at the games. We had a preseason game when I worked in the AAF with no fans and it was so strange.
What is your football background? What made you love the sport?
I’ve loved football from a very young age. It was always a part of my life growing up. We were always going to games, watching games or I was playing with friends. I started playing tackle football after college. I’ve primarily played quarterback most of my career, but I have also played wide receiver and safety. I’ve also recently started playing some flag football as well. I began coaching football while I was coaching college basketball and I’ve been able to experience the game coaching at various levels along my journey.
You are working specifically with the running backs. What improvements are you hoping to see from them this season?
I think we have a great group of backs and I’m super excited to hit the grass and get to work. We have a great mix of guys and I feel it’s my job to help them get better in any way possible. Sometimes getting better for an NFL guy can be something super small, but can make a big difference on game day.
You are the first Black female assistant coach in the NFL. That’s a HUGE accomplishment. You are a trailblazer. What does it mean to you?
I definitely feel it’s important to do a good job and be a positive role model for little girls and kids in general because representation is so important. I got a late start coaching football because there was no one that looked like me coaching football. I think it’s cool for kids to be able to see an awesome group of women now coaching in the NFL.
A lot of players, including Adrian Peterson, have committed to kneeling during the national anthem this season as a continued protest for social injustice. What are your thoughts?
I totally support their right to protest social injustice and inequalities people face in our country. It’s been so beautiful to see so many people from various backgrounds come together over the past month with a common goal of protesting injustice.
Speaking of AP, he has said he wants to play four more years. Do you think that’s realistic at age 35 for a RB?
AP is one of the GOATS of our sport. I definitely feel he can play four more years. He does a great job taking care of his body and is a pros pro.
What is your best advice to women trying to work in sports?
There are so many jobs in sports so the first thing is to know what you want to do exactly. I would then recommend finding mentors. I feel mentors don’t always have to be in the same field or do the same job you want to do, but it does help to have at least one in your field. There is no substitute for hard work and dedication to your goal so do any and everything you need to do to be better at your craft. I feel this includes increasing your network and meeting the right people. There will be no’s along the way and tough times, but don’t let that deter you from your goals. I’m a firm believer in being so good that you can’t be denied.
You can catch Jennifer King working with the Washington Redskins this season.
