The Football Pop Quiz Nobody Gives Male Fans

I’ve been a pro football fan for more than 30 years. When I first became serious about the game, female fans were far less visible—at least in my small town, where I didn’t know another woman who followed the NFL as avidly as I did. No problem, I thought. I’d talk football with the men.

Little did I know there would be an entrance exam.

“Do you even know who the quarterback is?” “You only know him because you think he’s cute.” “I bet you can’t name another player on the team.” And, for the advanced portion of the quiz: “Can you name a player on any other team?”

It annoyed me—but it also made me determined to learn everything I could. Before long, if a man asked me to name the 49ers quarterback, I could give him the entire roster, the backups, and probably his own team’s starting lineup for good measure.

A great deal has changed since then. Football coverage has expanded far beyond the quips and catchphrases of the old SportsCenter era. Women now report on the league, coach in it, work in front offices, and own or co-own teams. Women have also been a major part of the NFL audience for years: In 2017, the league said they made up 45 percent of its fan base. Reuters reported the figure at the time.

The pop quiz lives on

Why are women still expected to prove their football knowledge before joining a conversation? A man can walk into a discussion and be granted instant acceptance. No one asks, “What’s a fullback?” or “Name your team’s starting wide receivers.” His knowledge is assumed. A woman’s is treated like a suspicious claim requiring an oral and written exam.

A 2025 Ipsos poll found that 41 percent of American women considered themselves NFL fans. Taylor Swift may have introduced a new wave of women and girls to football, but she didn’t invent female fandom. Women have been watching, celebrating, and yelling at baffling play calls for generations, the Associated Press reported.

It’s 2026. Women shouldn’t still need to recite a depth chart or know the secret clubhouse password before they’re allowed to enter the conversation. It’s time to accept that women can love fashion, beauty products and football. One interest doesn’t negate the others.

And to every man who assumed I became a 49ers fan because my favorite colors are red and gold? For the record, my favorite color is purple. Red & gold just happen to look excellent on a dynasty.

Until next time...Stay fierce. Stay fabulous. And stay faithful!