Jul 10, 2019; New York, NY, USA; United States women national soccer team forward Carli Lloyd (10) speaks at New York City Hall after the ticker-tape parade for the United States women’s national soccer team down the canyon of heroes in New York City. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
When diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan Carli Lloyd attended a practice last week, her intention was not to audition to become an NFL placekicker.
But the United States women’s national team star wound up repeatedly drilling 40-yard field goals and nailing an attempt from 55 that went viral, prompting conversation about the potential for a female soccer player to transition into professional football.
“I know that I could probably do it,” Lloyd said, adding in a Sports Illustrated interview that NFL teams made inquiries after seeing video of her kicking session.
“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,” she told NBCSports.com.
Lloyd, 37, is from New Jersey and said she has always rooted for the Eagles. The Tuesday kicking session came about in an impromptu manner but Lloyd is now considering whether the moment could be greater than she imagined because of the viral nature of the video.
“I’m laughing about it, but the more I think about it, this has the chance to be sort of a pioneering moment for women,” Lloyd told NBC.
Lloyd, who has 113 career goals, is noted as one of the more accurate scorers in soccer. Of course, there’s no requirement for tackling 230- to 300-pound men in women’s soccer, but Lloyd seems only mildly concerned with that proposition.
“Big thing would be getting used to the big boys out there. But nothing scares me,” Lloyd said. “You hold yourself back if you’re afraid. What’s the worst that can happen? I don’t make the team? Let’s just say I did try. Maybe I change the landscape a lot.”
—Field Level Media