Covering the NFL Scouting Combine can be overwhelming, leaving some media members feeling tired and lost. This year, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin aims to empower women attending the combine. On Feb. 25, she will host her seventh annual Women of the NFL Combine Happy Hour at Tavern On South in Indianapolis from 6-9 p.m. ET. All women working at the combine—whether as journalists, front office personnel, coaches, or agents—are invited.
“I hope people who come to this event feel like they belong and see representation,” Cronin shared. “When we started this in 2019, there were 40 of us; now it has grown exponentially. It’s empowering to see so many women in a male-dominated field who can be strong supporters.”
Cronin knows firsthand the challenges of navigating the combine. As a Minnesota Vikings beat reporter in 2018, she faced several hurdles after the team’s NFC Championship appearance. Thankfully, her peers guided her through the process. “If you don’t have someone to navigate it with, it can be tough,” she said, reflecting on how essential it is to build relationships and learn the ropes.
Taking inspiration from her experience and an event with the National Association of Black Journalists, Cronin leveraged email blasts and word-of-mouth to promote the happy hour; attendance has significantly increased over the years, with 168 participants in 2024 and already 170 RSVPs as of last week. Many attendees also show up informally without prior notice.
In 2020, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers supported the event by picking up the bar tab, thanks in part to having two female coaches on staff. Last year, Chicago Bears chairperson George McCaskey and president and CEO Kevin Warren attended, demonstrating the growing allyship.
Second annual Women of the #NFLCombine happy hour was a great success. Thanks to everyone who came out! pic.twitter.com/yWYn5p8v76
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) February 26, 2020
“That meant a lot to me,” Cronin said, highlighting the importance of male allyship. “Mike McCartney, a high-powered agent, shows up every year, and Scott Pioli has been a champion for our event. It’s inspiring to see this support expand.” The Women of the NFL Combine Happy Hour serves as a vital networking opportunity that Cronin hopes will continue to inspire and grow.
“You nurture and maintain those relationships, which can be invaluable for journalists,” she added.
