Lingerie football league gaining popularity, legitimacy

UPDATE: Seattle Mist beat Green Bay Chill Friday night at ShoWare Center, 30 – 24.

When former Washington State University standout and Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien first heard his daughter wanted to play football in the fledgling Lingerie Football League, the Spokane-native was far from enthusiastic.

“He wasn’t too excited at first,” says Angela Rypien about his initial reaction. “He was like ‘okay, sure, go play football, whatever.'”

But as Rypien gets set to kickoff her third season in the league as quarterback with the Seattle Mist, her dad has changed his tune and now takes it seriously. Rypien and the rest of the growing league hope more people will continue to as well.

“He saw what a positive part of my life it had become so he became extremely supportive. It’s been awesome.”

The league has worked hard to evolve its image and gain legitimacy since its founding in 2009. While the players remain scantily-clad beneath their helmets and shoulder pads, it changed its name to the Legends Football League in 2013 as part of an effort to better emphasize the athletes and athleticism.

“It’s been unbelievable to see the play of the game,” she says. “There are so many more athletes we’re getting to come out now because most of the girls are so much more interested in the athletic side now. I think we’re making some great strides here.”

Rypien acknowledges many fans check out the league simply for the novelty and to see beautiful, hard-bodied women in close contact. But she hopes people realize how seriously they take the game. They train year-round and practice regularly just like college and pro-football players, but don’t get paid at all.

“It’s unfortunate we have to do it,” she says of the lingerie. “But whatever it takes. There are a ton of gifted female athletes in other football leagues not getting any attention. The LFL has given us the opportunity to take our talents to the next level. And once you get on the field and there are seven girls ahead of you wanting to take your head off, the last thing you’re thinking of is what you’re wearing.”

The league now features 10 teams in the United States and has expanded to Australia, Canada, and Europe. They play in arenas like Kent’s ShoWare Center on a 50 yard field with seven players on a side. And while they have far less padding than the men, they hit hard.

“We have the injuries and bruises to prove it,” she says of the full-tackle league.

Thanks to her name and good looks, Rypien has become one of the stars of the Legends Football League. She hopes one day people will check her out as much for her play on the field as her appearance off it.

“It’s fun being like a pioneer. When you look back at the NFL, when they used to play with those leather helmets, it’s just like that. Every year it’s gotten so much better. I never thought I’d have the opportunity,” she says.

The Seattle Mist open the 2014 season Friday night against the Green Bay Chill at ShoWare Center in Kent. You can get more information here.