In Their Words

Voices & Milestones

Real words from the people who were there — and the moments that defined a groundbreaking career.

“

Your gender doesn't make you qualified to coach on the sidelines or scout a player; your passion and knowledge do.

Connie Carberg

Fortune Magazine — 2017

6
Voices From the Game
8
In Her Own Words
8
Career Milestones
1
Unmatched Legacy

In Their Words

What coaches and executives said about Connie — every quote verbatim, with its source linked on each card.

“

Connie Carberg is an outstanding young lady who accomplishes unbelievable things.

Lou Holtz

Head Football Coach, University of Notre Dame

Reference letter · ConnieScouts.com
“

She gained the respect and admiration of those in the college and professional ranks because of her total dedication.

Walt Michaels

Head Coach, New York Jets

Recommendation letter · ConnieScouts.com
“

Connie is a great joy to have around and she certainly is a young lady with great enthusiasm.

Woody Hayes

Head Football Coach, Ohio State University

1976 letter · ConnieScouts.com
“

Why are we fooling around when we have a good one right here?

Weeb Ewbank

Hall of Fame Head Coach, New York Jets — recalled by Walt Michaels

ESPNW, Jane McManus · 2012
“

She always thought her pick was going to be All-Pro or player of the year.

Walt Michaels

Head Coach, New York Jets — years later, on her eye

ESPNW, Jane McManus · 2012
“

You're making this selection, Connie.

Homer Edington

Director of Player Personnel, New York Jets — at the 1975 draft

Sports Illustrated

In Her Own Words

Connie's voice — from published interviews in Fortune, Fox Sports, SI, and more.

“

I just wanted to jump out of the chair. It was so exciting and it was thrilling. Probably the biggest thrill of my life.

Connie Carberg

On announcing the Gastineau pick — Fox Sports, 2017

“

I want women to see that it's really possible and they can really do things without saying: 'Hey, I'm a woman. I want it because I'm a woman.' Just do it because you love it and you never know where it's going to take you.

Connie Carberg

On advice to women — Fox Sports, 2017

“

I didn't go into sports with an intention of making a splash or creating a headline.

Connie Carberg

On her motivation — Fortune, 2017

“

Your gender doesn't make you qualified to coach on the sidelines or scout a player; your passion and knowledge do.

Connie Carberg

On breaking barriers — Fortune, 2017

“

I didn't know he'd be great but loved his attitude and his speed on film.

Connie Carberg

On discovering Mark Gastineau — SI, 2021

“

Don't do it to be the first. Do it because you love it!

Connie Carberg

Her advice to those challenging the status quo

Greater Than The Game · 2025
“

It was just something that was part of me and something I felt I could do. It wasn't made into this big kind of story at that time.

Connie Carberg

On joining scouting — Fox Sports, 2017

“

It's so cool. It's been 40 years now, but all over the NFL, there are women on the football side this year, which is really a breakthrough.

Connie Carberg

On modern progress — Fox Sports, 2017

Key Milestones

The moments that defined a groundbreaking career.

“

In 1975, Connie made the first draft pick by a woman in NFL history — selecting tight end Mike Bartoszek from Ohio State in the 17th round.

Making History

1975 NFL Draft

“

GM Al Ward promoted Connie to full-time scout in 1976, making her the first female scout in the 55-year history of the NFL. Assigned to the Big Ten Conference, she traveled to games and practices across the country.

The First Female Scout

New York Jets, 1976

“

Working with veteran scout Mike Holovak, Connie helped discover Wesley Walker — a wide receiver legally blind in one eye whom others overlooked. The Jets drafted him in the second round. He became a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the most electrifying players in franchise history.

An Eye for Talent

Wesley Walker, 1977 Draft

“

Restricted from traveling, Connie continued scouting by phone and film. She flagged Mark Gastineau when most had him as a late-round pick. The Jets took him in the second round. He went on to break the NFL's single-season sack record.

Trusting Her Instincts

Mark Gastineau, 1979 Draft

“

By 1981, 19 of the 22 starters on the Jets' playoff roster were players Connie helped draft or evaluate. One of the most complete rosters in franchise history.

The Proof

1981 AFC Playoffs

“

Al Davis, the legendary Raiders owner, tried to recruit Connie away from the Jets. She declined. Her loyalty to the green and white was absolute.

Loyalty to the Green & White

Al Davis Recruitment Attempt

“

In 2012, Mark Gastineau was inducted into the Jets' Ring of Honor. Connie was there by his side — the scout who found him, decades of football between them.

Full Circle

Ring of Honor, 2012

“

Six decades later, Connie still attends Jets training camp every year. She remains the longest-tenured member of the Jets family — a living link to the franchise's greatest era.

A Jet for Life

60+ Training Camps

Read the Full Story

Connie's memoir chronicles her groundbreaking years with the Jets and the personal journey behind the headlines.