We Are the Troopers

The Toledo Troopers dominated women’s football in the 1970s, earning the title of the winningest team in professional football. These players were athletes from all walks of life who grabbed an opportunity to compete in a game not usually available to them, and they played their way into national history. Digital images including photos, gear, playbooks, and programs from a display donated by some of the players can be seen here:

The Troopers played their first professional game in 1971 and went on to win seven world championships between 1971 and 1979 in the Women’s Professional Football League and later the National Women’s Football League. In 1983, the team was recognized for their unparalleled record at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Troopers were also the first team inducted into the Women’s Foundation Football Hall of Fame in 2014. Read all about it in Stephen Guinan’s book We Are the Troopers: the Women of the Winningest Team in Pro Football History.

Also, the Library’s offering a screening of the newly released documentary We are the Toledo Troopers on (W) March 4, 2026 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Register if you’d like to attend. A short discussion with several Troopers will follow the movie.