Linda Jefferson was an American female professional football player in the 1970s.
Jefferson began playing for the Toledo Troopers in the National WomenâÂÂs Football League (NWFL) in 1972 and became one of its top, most well-respected players. In her first season she ran 1,300+ yards and 32 touchdowns. Over the next four years she averaged 14.4 yards per carry. She had five undefeated seasons to her name.
Jefferson was described as âÂÂthe legend of Toledo womenâÂÂs football, no, the legend of Toledo football, full stop.â She was described as having âÂÂbroken the glass ceilingâ with the team. In 1975 WomenSports Magazine named her the first ever âÂÂWoman Athlete of the Year.â The following year, as the leagueâÂÂs Player of the Year, she appeared on the ABC television networkâÂÂs Women Superstars competition and finished fourth. In addition, throughout the 1970s, she appeared on many shows, such as: To Tell the Truth, The Today Show and The Dinah Shore Show. She also participated in ABC's "The Superstars".
In 2002, she was inducted into the Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame. She was the first African American woman to receive the honor. As well, she is one of only four women inducted into the American Association Football Hall of Fame. She was determined to be a winner: âÂÂI knew early on that IâÂÂd be the best because thatâÂÂs the goal I set for myself. Running back for the Toledo Troopers from 1971 to 1979, she led the team to a six-year winning streak in the National Women's Football League, a record in professional football, men's or women's.âÂÂ