Sarah Thomas becomes first woman to officiate Super Bowl

By Andy Kostka - The Washington Times - Sunday, February 7, 2021

Sarah Thomas became the first woman to officiate the Super Bowl on Sunday, continuing her role as groundbreaker in the NFL.

She first made history in 2015, becoming the first female full-time official. She also officiated a 2019 playoff game, becoming the first woman to reach that stage.

“It’s just so meaningful,” Thomas said, via NFL.com. “I never set out to be the first in any of this, but knowing the impact that I’m having on not just my daughter but young girls everywhere, women everywhere, when I get on that field, and I take it all in, I know that I’m probably gonna get a little teary eyed. It’s just remarkable, and I’m truly honored and humbled to be a part of this year’s Super Bowl crew.”

Thomas serves as a down judge, watching offside and illegal contact calls, for example. Before Sunday’s game, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden tweeted her support of Thomas, writing, “I’m cheering you on today.”