About a year ago, I first heard about women’s pro football through my daughter’s mother-in-law, who was considering starting a team in New Jersey. I was unfamiliar with the WNFC, which was founded in 2019. Dawn Sherman, who is now a member of my extended family, had worked with the person who runs the league many years ago. My son-in-law, Jared Ferko, is the team manager. Most of us do not think of women’s pro tackle football; however, the sport is growing in popularity, as well as in High School and club sports. A year later, the team, Jersey Shore Wave, played their second game in Hinchcliffe Stadium in Patterson, NJ, and I was a treating provider for the team. I began my career in chiropractic sports medicine in 1992 after becoming certified in sports injury management by our national governing body, the American Board of Chiropractic Sports Physicians (ACBSP). Most people are unaware that chiropractic sports medicine began in NJ in the 1950s with Joe Santiago DC, PT. One of the reasons chiropractors in NJ also became physical therapists was that they had a license before chiropractors did. As a result, chiropractors could avoid problems with the medical profession by obtaining licensure as physical therapists. Chiropractic licensing was achieved in NJ by 1953. I was fortunate enough to have known Dr. Santiago, as he taught one of my certification classes, and I attended the Newark Marathon with him early in my career. His two sons and daughter have carried on the traditions in their chiropractic careers, with Phil becoming an international ambassador for the profession. He was one of my mentors throughout my career. I then began working with USATFNJ, which lasted 26 years helping runners, and also worked Taekwondo events throughout NJ, including collegiate events at Princeton University, and had worked with swimmers at the Garden State Games, Brazilian Ju Jitsu, also known as Grappling, as well as National Aerobics championships. It was common for chiropractors to volunteer for many of these athletic events, where athletes would line up to be evaluated and treated by us. When I arrived at the stadium, I found my trainer’s room, and once the players heard had arrived, there was a line down the hallway to be evaluated and treated before the game. I don’t remember how many people I treated that day, but afterward, I introduced myself to the trainer for the team and quickly developed a rapport. The game was professionally run as in any pro league, and I was on the field with everyone during the game. There are two home games left for Jersey Shore Wave football, and you can find out more by visiting https://www.jerseyshorefb.com/ I will be working the third game in May as well. Need help from a sports chiropractor with years of experience? Book online today.