ST. LOUIS, MO - FEBRUARY 29: Line Judge Maia Chaka #27 looks on prior to an XFL game between the St. Louis Battlehawks and the Seattle Dragons at the Dome at America's Center on February 29, 2020 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas /Getty Images)
We’re only a few days into Women’s History Month, and it’s already poppin’! When it comes to women in sports, they continue to break down barriers every day! Today, history was made as it was announced that Maia Chaka is the NFL’s first Black female official! According to the NFL, the Norfolk State University graduate was added to the NFL roster of game officials for the 2021 season last Friday. This has been a long time coming for Maia, who has a history of working with the organization. Maia was a part of the NFL’s Officiating Development Program in 2014, which aims to identify college officials who could advance to the pros.
In addition, Maia has worked at the collegiate level, including being the official for the Pac-12 Conference and Conference USA. In an official statement from Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, he said, “Maia’s years of hard work, dedication and perseverance — including as part of the NFL Officiating Development Program — have earned her a position as an NFL official.
He continued, “As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Maia is a trailblazer as the first Black female official and inspires us toward normalizing women on the football field.” Maia was featured on the Today show and spoke about the good news. Maia said, “It didn’t really hit me until just now. When I saw the introduction, I’m like, ‘This is really real,’ because this is just something that we’re just always taught to work hard for. Sometimes we just don’t take time to stop and smell our own roses.”
Some of the Roommates felt that this was long overdue but overall were happy to see the NFL making such a positive change. One Roommate commented, “Finally! I’ve been waiting every game to see this. I always asked myself where are the Black or females reps. Look at GOD!”
Congrats Maia!!
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