From Show Jumping to the NFL: Marianna Salas Makes Her Mark as a Ravens Coach
Marianna Salas, a New Orleans native and Newman High School graduate, is making her mark in the NFL, defying typical career paths and proving that passion and hard work can lead to incredible opportunities. While she never donned a green-and-white jersey during her time at Newman, she found a unique path to the NFL through a love for football that began while working as a athletic trainer for the school’s football team. Salas, now in her second season as a defensive coaching fellow for the Baltimore Ravens, is paving the way for future generations of women in football, proving that women can excel in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Key Takeaways:
- Unexpected Journey: Salas’ path to the NFL was unexpected, starting with a high school P.E. credit requirement that led her to work as an athletic trainer for Newman’s football team.
- Overcoming Tradition: Her parents, a family of lawyers, preferred her to pursue a more traditional career path, but Salas’ passion for football led her to defy expectations and take a leap of faith.
- Making Her Mark: Salas has earned the respect of her peers within the NFL, proving her knowledge and dedication to the sport earns her a place at the table.
- Breaking Barriers: As one of just 12 women coaching in the NFL, Salas is a role model for women who aspire to careers in football.
- Dream Big: Salas’ ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl in New Orleans, a dream she’s striving for with the Baltimore Ravens, and inspire others to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
From Newman to Vanderbilt: A Passion Ignores Expectations
While her family had envisioned a future filled with legal briefs and courtrooms, Salas was drawn to the excitement and camaraderie of the football field. She worked with the football program at Vanderbilt University, initially keeping her involvement a secret from her parents, showcasing her dedication to her newfound calling. Her work ethic and passion for the game did not go unnoticed. Anfernee Orji, a former Vanderbilt linebacker, remembers her unwavering dedication, highlighting her love for the game despite never playing it herself.
Tulane’s Triumph: The Cotton Bowl and a Law Degree
Salas returned to New Orleans to pursue a law degree at Tulane, but her passion for football remained strong. She found a way to combine her love for the game with her legal pursuits, becoming a defensive assistant coach for the Tulane Green Wave. Her contributions played a critical role in the team’s historic victory over Southern Cal in the Cotton Bowl, further solidifying her place as a valuable asset to the football landscape.
A New Chapter in Baltimore: A Future Filled with Promise
With a law degree in hand and her passion undeterred, Salas joined the Baltimore Ravens as a defensive coaching fellow, joining a league with only 12 other women coaches. Salas credits her success to her dedication and professionalism, while recognizing that her ability to add value and contribute to team success is what ultimately matters.
A Dream for the Future: A Super Bowl Victory in New Orleans
Salas’ ambition is clear: win a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, and do it in her hometown of New Orleans. The city’s passion for football, she says, was ignited by the Saints’ Super Bowl victory in 2010, a moment that inspired her love for the game. She aims to bring the same level of excitement and triumph back to New Orleans, showcasing women’s potential and the power of following your dreams.
Marianna Salas’ journey highlights the power of passion, determination, and a willingness to break down barriers. She is a testament to the transformative power of football and a role model for aspiring female coaches, proving that even without a star athlete’s background, success can be achieved through dedication and the pursuit of your dreams.
