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Sarah Thomas makes history as first female referee in a Super Bowl

By Amy Kaplan

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Line judge Sarah Thomas #53 watches action prior to a game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Line judge Sarah Thomas #53 watches action prior to a game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Sarah Thomas is the first woman to referee a Super Bowl.

Sarah Thomas is blazing a trail for all women hoping to one day referee a Super Bowl. On Sunday she’ll step on the field at Raymond James Stadium to become the first-ever woman to referee the big game. Thomas will act as a down judge in Tampa Bay.

In addition to Thomas making history, there are two other women on the field writing their own stories for the record books. Two female coaches will be on the sidelines when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl 55.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1358547384524017664?s=20

Both women, Lori Locust, a defensive line assistant and Maral Javadifar, an assistant strength and conditioning coach, are part of the Buccaneers coaching staff that consists of two of eight female coaches in the NFL, the most ever in the history of the sport.

Sarah Thomas is the first female to officiate a Super Bowl

Thomas is the only female referee in the NFL currently but perhaps when women at home watching the game and see it can be done, we’ll see more.

“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.”

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The 2021 Super Bowl begins at 6:30 p.m. ET. Follow along with FanSided NFL for all your live results and news throughout the Super Bowl 55.

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