Patricia Palinkas facts for kids

Patricia Palinkas (born 1943) is famous for being the first woman to play professional American football in a league mostly made up of men. She played as a holder for her husband, Stephen Palinkas, on the Orlando Panthers team in 1970. The Panthers were part of the minor league Atlantic Coast Football League. Patricia was the only woman professional American football player for many years. Another woman, Katie Hnida, signed with a team in 2010.

Her Football Journey

Patricia went to Northern Illinois University. She did not play football there. When Patricia and her husband joined the Orlando Panthers, the team needed a way to attract more fans. Having a woman player was a great way to get people interested. It also helped the team save money because she was paid a low salary.

Patricia's first game was on August 15, 1970. About 12,000 fans watched the Panthers play against the Bridgeport Jets. On her very first play, a Jets player named Wally Florence tried to hurt her. He later said he wanted to "break her neck" because he thought she was making fun of a "man's game."

Despite this, Patricia played well. She helped her team make three successful extra-point kicks. She also held the ball for a field goal attempt, but it was blocked.

Later, her husband Stephen hurt his leg. This made it hard for him to kick long distances. Patricia stayed on the team as the holder for a new kicker, Ron Miller. She was kept on the team mainly because she was popular and brought in many fans. However, Patricia soon lost interest in playing. She was suspended from the team shortly after the season began.

Patricia left the Panthers because she was not paid much. She received only $25 for each of the two preseason games she played. She had planned to ask for more money if she played in regular-season games. Many other Panthers players also left the team because of money problems. Some even said they were not paid at all.

Patricia had an option to return to the team in 1971. The team had moved and changed its name to the Roanoke Buckskins. But because of the long distance and other issues she faced, she decided not to play again.

After her short time in professional football, Patricia Palinkas went back home to Tampa, Florida. She started a family and continued her career as a first-grade teacher.

See also

In Spanish: Patricia Palinkas para niños

• List of female American football players
• List of women firsts