She is the first female full - time NFL referee .
Trailblazer Sarah Thomas , originally from Mississippi , was the first woman to officiate a major college football game , the first to officiate a bowl game , and the first to officiate in a Big Ten stadium .
Sarah Thomas is the first female full - time NFL woman .
Trailblazer Sarah Thomas , originally from Mississippi , was the first woman to officiate a major college football game , the first to officiate a bowl game , and the first to officiate in a Big Ten stadium .