A Football League of Their Own

Who knew there are more than 80 women’s tackle-football teams across the country? Not me.

These gals are not only tough, they’re dedicated. They work full-time jobs (one of the players is a lawyer, another is a nurse) and practice twice a week. Many of them have suffered broken bones and torn tendons. And they’ve paid up to a $1,000 each this season for the privilege.

Andra Douglas, president of the New York Sharks, a team in the Independent Women’s Football League, says the women wish they could earn a living at the sport, like their male counterparts.

“Boys and men have no idea how lucky they are to have this just handed to them,” she said. “It breaks my heart.”

Lucky in some ways, yes. Not so fortunate in others.