Sarah Thomas to become first woman to officiate a Super Bowl

Sarah Thomas is set to become the first woman ever to officiate a Super Bowl, as she was chosen as part of an eight-person crew that will officiate Super Bowl LV on Sunday, February 7.

Thomas became the first full-time female official in NFL history six years ago and over that time, she has established herself as one of the most consistent and reliable officials in the league. She officiated her first postseason game two years ago when the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots faced off in the AFC divisional round. She has officiated three postseason games since and now, she will get to officiate the biggest game of the year.

"Her elite performance and commitment to excellence has earned her the right to officiate the Super Bowl," said Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations. "Congratulations to Sarah on this well-deserved honor."

Thomas will serve in the down judge position for this year's Super Bowl, the position she has taken on for most of her NFL officiating career. The crew will include fellow first-time Super Bowl official James Coleman, along with Super Bowl officiating veterans Carl Cheffers, Fred Bryan, Rusty Baynes, Eugene Hall, and Dino Paganelli. The crew has a combined 88 years of NFL officiating experience.

"Their body of work over the course of a 17-game season has earned them the honor of officiating the biggest game on the world's biggest stage," Vincent said. "They are the best of the best."