If you’re watching the Jaguars vs. Bills matchup and noticed a woman among the officiating crew, you’re not alone — and you’re watching history in action.
Sarah Thomas, the NFL’s first full-time female official, is serving as the down judge during today’s Jaguars–Bills game. One of the most accomplished and respected officials in football, Thomas has spent more than two decades breaking barriers at every level of the sport, from high school fields to the NFL’s biggest stages.
Her presence on the field isn’t just notable, it’s historic. Thomas was the first woman to officiate a major college football game, the first to work a bowl game, and the first female official assigned to a Big 10 stadium. In 2015, she shattered the NFL’s final officiating barrier by becoming the league’s first full-time female referee, paving the way for future generations.
As the Jaguars and Bills battle it out, here’s everything to know about who Sarah Thomas is, how she got here, and why her role in today’s game matters.
Who is Sarah Thomas in Jaguars vs. Bills?
A pioneer and true game changer in football officiating, Sarah Thomas made history in 2015 when she became the first woman hired as a full-time NFL official.
Early career beginnings and historic breakthroughs
Thomas’s officiating journey began in 1999 at the high school level, where she worked varsity games and steadily built her résumé. A turning point came in 2006 when she attended an officials development camp led by longtime NFL referee Gerry Austin, an experience that helped propel her toward the college ranks.
Just one year later, Thomas broke new ground as the first woman to officiate a major college football game, overseeing a matchup between Memphis and Jacksonville State. By the end of the decade, she was one of only five women officiating college football and had already added another milestone to her résumé as the first woman to work a college bowl game.
How did Sarah Thomas begin her professional referee career?
Thomas took her first step into professional football in 2010, officiating games in the United Football League, including the league’s championship. Her consistent performance and growing experience led to her NFL opportunity in 2015, where she received strong support from veteran head coach Sean Payton, who had previously observed her officiating during offseason practices and scrimmages.
Who was the first woman to officiate a Super Bowl?
The first woman to officiate a Super Bowl was Sarah Thomas, who made history at Super Bowl LV in February 2021, serving as the down judge in the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She was a trailblazer, also being the first woman to be a full-time NFL official and the first female on-field official in a playoff game
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Who is the female referee in Jaguars vs. Bills? Meet Sarah Thomas
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
