Susan Tose Spencer
A Trailblazer in Sports, Business, and Championing a Level Playing Field for All
Breaking Barriers in the NFL and Beyond
Susan Tose Spencer is a pioneering leader, lawyer, entrepreneur, and award-winning author who shattered ceilings in the National Football League and the business world. As the first and only female General Manager, Vice President, Chief Counsel, and minority owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, Susan paved the way for women in professional sports and beyond. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire leaders across industries, proving that determination and innovation know no gender.
The NFL's
First - And Only- Female
General Manager
Susan made history as the National Football League’s first female Vice President, General Manager, and Legal Counsel, remaining the only woman to have held these roles.
As the daughter of Leonard Tose, then-owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, she stepped into a leadership role at a critical time for the franchise.
She revolutionized team management by negotiating key player contracts, overseeing the salary cap, and hiring talented professionals—including women—as department heads.
Susan was instrumental in contract negotiations for NFL stars, including Ron Jaworski, Randall Cunningham, Kenny Jackson, Mike Quick, and Wilbert Montgomery.
Many of the cost-saving measures and business strategies she implemented in the 1980s are still widely used in the NFL today.
A Career Defined by Bold Moves and Innovation
Before her groundbreaking role with the Eagles, Susan was an educator with a passion for literacy. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to start her own clothing company, but after facing legal challenges, she pursued a law degree at 35 while raising a young child. This determination fueled her future success across multiple industries:
Managed companies with revenues ranging from $20 million to $50 million.
Built a successful beef processing business, becoming the only female-owned supplier to major chains like McDonald’s, Chili’s, Dairy Queen, and Jack in the Box.
Provided consulting for small business owners, helping them scale their companies.
Served on advisory boards, working to develop Women’s Financial Groups within banks.
Author and Advocate for Women in Business
In her 2010 book, Briefcase Essentials: Discover Your 12 Natural Talents for Achieving Success in a Male-Dominated Workplace, Susan offers powerful insights for women navigating male-dominated industries.
Co-authored Gameday in the USA with her daughter, Marnie Schneider, sharing inspiring football stories with young readers.
Susan continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of female leaders through her interviews and inspiring videos.
Experience Susan’s journey in her own words in this 2011 interview, where she discusses her groundbreaking career and vision for empowering women in business.
Education, Philanthropy & Accolades
Inductee: Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, 2025
Founded the Level Playing Field Foundation, raising millions to support underserved youth in athletics.
Maxwell Football Club Man of the Year Award (alongside her father), presented by President George H.W. Bush.
Winner of the prestigious Reimel Moot Court Competition at Villanova, earning recognition from her father.
Distinguished Boston University Alumni Award (1984).
Education: Boston University (BA), Hofstra University (MA in Education/Economics), and Villanova University (JD).
Football is Family
While Susan’s professional achievements are remarkable, her greatest joy has always been her family. As a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, she cherishes the time spent with her loved ones, sharing stories, wisdom, and laughter. She credits her family as a source of strength and inspiration, and they remain at the heart of everything she does. Her close bond with her daughter, Marnie Schneider, extends into their shared passion for storytelling and mentorship, as seen in their Gameday in the USA book series.
Susan Tose Spencer’s legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and breaking down barriers. From the front office of the NFL to the boardroom to family, she has proven that with talent, hard work, balance, and fearlessness, anything is possible.
