By Zac Cornell
Sarah Thomas will make history as the first woman to officiate in a Super Bowl. The NFL announced the officiating team for Super Bowl LV on Tuesday, January 19th and assigned Thomas as the game’s Down Judge.
This is not the first time that Thomas made NFL history. On January 13th, 2019, she became the first woman to officiate an NFL playoff game, between the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots. Additionally, she became the NFL’s first female full-time official when she was hired in 2015.
“Sarah Thomas has made history again as the first female Super Bowl official,” NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent said. “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.”
Sarah will join the seven person crew of on-field officials led by Referee Carl Cheffers, a 21-year veteran NFL official. This is Cheffers’ second Super Bowl, having also served as referee for Super Bowl LI between the Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. Rounding out the team is Fred Bryan as Umpire, Rusty Baynes as Line Judge, James Coleman as Field Judge, Eugene Hall as Side Judge, Dino Paganelli as Back Judge, and Mike Wimmer as Replay Official.
Super Bowl LV will take place on Sunday, February 7 at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Inside Sports Journal 