Odessa Jenkins envisioned a future where young girls can aspire to play professional tackle football, which inspired her to establish the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC).
Jenkins stated, “My vision is for investors, fans, and brands to recognize the immense value in women playing tackle football, just as they do for men and boys, taking similar risks.”
Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Jenkins faced barriers as a teenager eager to play football. Recalling her experiences, she shared, “The boys around me were getting bigger, and my coach warned me that I might get hurt. He suggested I consider sports more suited for girls.”
Though difficult to accept, this advice came while Jenkins was battling personal adversity, including the tragic murder of her older brother, Ricardo, in 1991. She was just 11 years old and struggled to comprehend the loss.
Jenkins witnessed the harsh realities of violence and destruction in her neighborhood, but she found solace and purpose in sports. “Sports became my outlet, a way to connect with others and channel my pain. It also united my family in that pursuit.”
Her athletic prowess led her to excel in basketball, ultimately earning a Division I scholarship. However, she always yearned for football.
After completing her education and starting her career, Jenkins relocated to Dallas, where she rediscovered a passion for football. “On my second day in Dallas, I searched for women’s tackle football, and it was as if a whole new world opened up for me.”
Over the next decade, Jenkins played in various leagues, establishing herself as a top running back, winning numerous gold medals, and claiming six national championships.
Reflecting on her achievements, Jenkins said, “That was the pinnacle of my career—I won a national title, and when I returned to Dallas, people were astonished. They were unaware of women’s football.”
Despite remarkable moments in women’s tackle football, the lack of visibility due to insufficient media coverage inspired Jenkins to initiate the WNFC.
She recalled, “When we launched, there were no sponsors for women’s sports globally. No one was investing dollars in us or providing products. The idea of global brands sponsoring women’s tackle football was almost unheard of.”
Driven by her mission to elevate women’s sports, Jenkins dedicated the past five years to promoting equity and empowerment in athletics, resulting in significant milestones.
“We secured a multi-year partnership with Adidas and recently gained sponsorship from Dove. Additionally, we now have a five-year deal with Victory Plus, the same partner as the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers,” she noted proudly.
As her brand continues to grow authentically, Jenkins aspires for future generations to dream big: “I want young girls to believe that everything—not just anything, but everything—is possible for them.”
