Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” Autumn Lockwood’s collegiate and professional journey embodies this spirit of resilience and perseverance.
Her story isn’t just about accolades—it’s about the power of persistence to overcome barriers often encountered in a male-dominated industry. From the classroom to the sidelines of football’s grandest stage, Lockwood’s path proves that Black History still happens daily.
Lockwood’s Educational Foundation And Academic Journey
Autumn Lockwood’s educational journey paved the way for her career in sports performance. According to the Philadelphia Eagles’ official website, she earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the University of Arizona, where she built a strong foundation in athlete development and sports science. She furthered her expertise by completing a master’s degree in sports management at East Tennessee State University, gaining valuable experience and insights that would guide her future coaching career.
Rising Through The Ranks: From Student To Coach
Lockwood’s dedication to her craft began during her collegiate years, where she gained hands-on experience through internships and strength training programs. According to Sports Illustrated, her early career included roles at ETSU and the University of Houston, where she quickly proved her leadership and expertise. She served as the director of sports performance at the University of Houston for two seasons (2021–2022) and was assistant director of basketball sports performance at East Tennessee State during the 2020–2021 season.
Her NFL journey began with an internship for the Atlanta Falcons in 2019, marking her entry into professional football coaching. The Pennsylvania native’s hard work culminated in a role with the Philadelphia Eagles as an assistant sports performance coach. Throughout the 2023-2024 season, she played a pivotal role in keeping players performing at their peak.
Lockwood Made History On The Big Stage And Is Paving The Way For The Future
As Sports Illustrated further reported, Autumn Lockwood shattered barriers during Super Bowl LVII, becoming the first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl. Her achievement marked a historic moment for herself and the entire sports community.
Only two Black women currently hold coaching positions in the NFL: Jennifer King, who coaches for the Chicago Bears, and Autumn Lockwood, who is part of the Philadelphia Eagles staff. Jennifer King made history as the first Black woman to secure a full-time assistant coaching role in the league.
According to a Women’s Health report, women occupy 15 full-time assistant coaching positions in the NFL, reflecting a “47% increase from the 2021–2022 season.” However, women still represent only 1% of the league’s coaching staff, with no women currently serving as head coaches or coordinators.
Despite ongoing challenges in achieving diversity and inclusion within the NFL, Lockwood remains a trailblazer, breaking barriers and inspiring change through her dedication and expertise. Her work continues to chart the path for more women to excel in the sports industry, opening doors for future generations.
