Skip to content

It’s Official. Mississippi’s Sarah Thomas Is the First Female NFL Ref.

In football, “forward progress” can be a good thing. Now it’s a good thing for Sarah Thomas, as well. A lifelong fan, Sarah could recite the rules of the game better than just about any guy. She eventually took that knowledge to the field and became the first woman to officiate an NCAA game … then the first woman to officiate an NCAA Bowl Game … and now, the first full-time female referee for the nearly 100-year-old National Football League. And what state does Sarah Thomas call home? None other than Mississippi – birthplace of legendary NFL greats like Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Brett Favre, Ray Guy, Archie Manning, etc. Yes, Sarah Thomas has earned her stripes. And, in doing so, has scored another first for Mississippi.

Plan to use the posters for educational purposes? Find out how to receive a set of Mississippi, Believe It!™ posters.

The Mississippi, Believe It!™ Campaign Mississippi, Believe It!™… was created for you… the people of Mississippi.

The materials represented on this site were created to share little-known facts about our great state … and the people who make it great. Advertisers may download and run the PSAs free of charge. Corporations may use them to inform clients, prospects and potential employees about the wonderful state in which you have chosen to locate. Note: These materials are to be used strictly for informational and educational purposes. The images may not be used in any shape, form or fashion to create revenue, nor are they to be sold for monetary gain.