Carli Lloyd Addresses Possibility Of Kicking In The NFL
United States' forward Carli Lloyd celebrates after scoring a goal during the France 2019 Women's World Cup Group F football match between USA and Chile, on June 16, 2019, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP / Getty Images)
Last week, US Women's Soccer star Carli Lloyd attended a training camp practice of her beloved Philadelphia Eagles. While she was there, Lloyd booted a 55-yard field goal, going viral in the process.
Lloyd's kick earned her the praise of longtime NFL executive Gil Brandt and also reportedly drew the attention of some NFL teams. The reaction was pretty crazy all around.
Speaking with NBC Sports' Peter King, Lloyd says the immediate aftermath of her booming kick was "insane" but adds that "this has the chance to be sort of a pioneering moment for women.”
Lloyd believes that a woman could handle kicking in the NFL, and sounds pretty confident that she herself could get the job done.
“I know that I could actually probably do it. Put on the helmet, strap on the pads, go for it. The mindset I have, I think with practice, I know I have to work on my steps and my technique, but I think I could do it and do it well. It could be a huge pivotal moment. There is no reason why a woman could not do this. And I actually invite the pressure. I love the pressure. When I have to nail something—shooting hoops, ax-throwing, kicking a field goal—that is the moment I live for and want. It comes down to the mind, training the mind. It’s worth having some conversations about it. With practice and someone showing me, I know I can do it."
There have been instances of male soccer players getting a look from the NFL--most notably Tony Meola with the New York Jets in 1994--but no woman has been given a chance.
Will that change after Lloyd's "Kick Heard 'Round The World?" It remains to be seen.
It wouldn't shock us to see a woman in an NFL minicamp or training camp at some point though.
