Katie Sowers to Be First Openly Gay Coach at the Super Bowl

Katie Sowers is making history as the first woman and first openly gay coach to be coaching a team at the Super Bowl.

Sowers joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, and became the first out and proud coach in the NFL when she came out publicly that same year. Now, as the offensive assistant coach for the team, she’ll be with them as they face off against the Kansas City Chiefs on February 2.

The 33-year-old played football herself in the Women’s Football Alliance before heading to the NFL as an intern for the Atlanta Falcons. She was quick to prove herself an asset to any team, and moved on to the assistant coach position with the 49ers the very next season.

Though it wasn’t always an easy road to get there. Back when Sowers first came out, she revealed to OutSports that she was turned away from a volunteer coaching job because of her “lifestyle.”

But now, as only the second female coach and the only openly gay coach in the NFL, she’s blazing her own trail.

“There are so many people who identify as LGBT in the NFL, as in any business, that do not feel comfortable being public about their sexual orientation,” she told OutSports.

“The more we can create an environment that welcomes all types of people, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, the more we can help ease the pain and burden that many carry every day.”

If Sowers helps lead the 49ers to victory in the upcoming Super Bowl, it will be their first championship win in 25 years.