Feb 7, 2021
NFL official Sarah Thomas has spent her career breaking barriers, and her role in Super Bowl LV is no different.
On Sunday, Thomas will become the first woman to officiate a Super Bowl. She will be the game s down judge alongside referee Carl Cheffers, umpire Fred Bryan, line judge Rusty Baynes, field judge James Coleman, side judge Eugene Hall, back judge Din Paganelli and replay official Mike Wimmer.
Thomas has worked full-time in the NFL since being named the first permanent female official in NFL history in 2015. Here are five things to know about Sarah Thomas s trailblazing career.
Thomas grew up as an avid athlete. She lettered five times in softball during high school and attended the University of Mobile on a basketball scholarship. During her three collegiate seasons, Thomas totaled 779 points, 411 rebounds, 108 assists and 192 steals, fifth most all-time in school history, and was named an Academic All-American.
Jan 19, 2021
NFL referee Sarah Thomas will be the first woman to officiate a Super Bowl on Feb. 7.
Carl Cheffers will referee the game and will be joined by umpire Fred Bryan, line judge Rusty Baynes, field judge James Coleman, side judge Eugene Hall, back judge Din Paganelli and Thomas. Mike Wimmer will be the game s replay official.
“Sarah Thomas has made history again as the first female Super Bowl official,” NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent said in a statement. “Her elite performance and commitment to excellence has earned her the right to officiate the Super Bowl. Congratulations to Sarah on this well-deserved honor.”