Autumn Lockwood Makes NFL History as the First Black Woman to Coach in the Super Bowl

The Philadelphia Eagles’ assistant performance coach Autumn Lockwood has officially made history — becoming the first Black woman ever to coach in the Super Bowl (ESPN). Her groundbreaking achievement marked a milestone not just for the Eagles organization, but for women and people of color across the sports world.

Earlier this year, sports agent Nicole Lynn made headlines for becoming the first Black woman to represent an NFL quarterback in the championship game when Jalen Hurts led the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII (Sports Illustrated). But the celebration of Black excellence didn’t stop there. Lockwood’s presence on the Eagles’ sidelines served as another powerful reminder of how “Black Girl Magic” continues to reshape professional sports from every angle.

From the Soccer Field to the Sidelines

Before breaking barriers in the NFL, Lockwood was a standout soccer player at the University of Arizona, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in sports management (NBC Sports Philadelphia). Her passion for athletic performance and science led her to pursue certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a distinction recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association — one of the field’s highest credentials.

Lockwood began her professional career by interning and working with collegiate athletic programs, including the University of Nevada–Las Vegas (UNLV), East Tennessee State University, and the University of Houston, where she developed strength and conditioning programs for multiple sports teams (The Philadelphia Inquirer). Her dedication and technical expertise caught the attention of the NFL, and in August 2022, she officially joined the Philadelphia Eagles’ staff as an assistant sports performance coach.

Breaking Barriers on Football’s Biggest Stage

Within months of joining the team, Lockwood’s impact was already evident. Working under the Eagles’ performance staff, she helped design player-specific conditioning plans and recovery strategies that contributed to one of the most physically dominant seasons in franchise history. Her work focused on strength optimization, injury prevention, and overall athletic development — crucial elements for a Super Bowl-caliber team.

When the Eagles advanced to Super Bowl LVII in February 2023, Lockwood made history as the first Black woman ever to coach in the Super Bowl, and only the fourth woman overall to do so (CNN). The achievement reflected not only her individual excellence but also the steady progress toward greater diversity and representation in the NFL.

In an interview before the big game, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised his coaching staff for their dedication, calling Lockwood “a vital part of the team’s performance success” and “a professional who raises the standard every day” (NBC Sports Philadelphia).

Representation and Inspiration

Lockwood’s presence on the NFL’s biggest stage carries deep meaning for young women — especially Black women — who dream of careers in sports science, coaching, or leadership. Her accomplishment echoes the words of Jennifer King, the first Black female full-time NFL coach, who once said, “Representation matters, because seeing someone who looks like you doing what you dream of makes it real.”

For Lockwood, that reality was years in the making. She’s part of a growing wave of women breaking into coaching and performance roles in the NFL — a list that includes pioneers like Katie Sowers (San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl LIV) and Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Super Bowl LV) (ESPN).

A Legacy in Motion

Lockwood’s journey is a reminder that progress in sports often starts quietly — in the weight room, on the practice field, in the data labs where players’ performance is fine-tuned. Her work might not make the highlight reels, but its effects ripple through every touchdown and every defensive stand.

As the Eagles fought their way to the Super Bowl, Lockwood stood on the sidelines as both a coach and a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. She continues to inspire countless young athletes and aspiring coaches to believe that they, too, can take their place in arenas once closed to them.

Congratulations, Autumn Lockwood — a trailblazer, a leader, and a living example of excellence on and off the field.