MAIA CHAKA MAKES HISTORY AS THE NFL’S FIRST BLACK WOMAN OFFICIAL
As Woman History Month continues, Maia Chaka made history as the first Black woman to be added to the NFL’s game official roster, just in time for the 2021 season. Chaka previously served as an official at the college level in both the Pac-12 and Confederate USA.
Chaka graduated from Norfolk State University with a bachelor’s in education in 2006. When not officiating, she teaches health and physical education at Renaissance Academy, an alternative education school in Virginia Beach, where she has spent more than 14 years educating at-risk students.
“A lot of times, especially with the kids I’m working with, they’re afraid to work with people that don’t look like them or don’t listen to the same music they listen to. They’re afraid to step outside their comfort zone,” Chaka, 38, told USA TODAY Sports. “It’s obvious we’re women. We don’t have to constantly address it. The more that you address it the more it will make people uncomfortable. Just put that behind you and continue to work. Nothing is bigger than the game.”
Due to retirements, departures, and position changes the NFL update its’s roster every year. Changes and replacements are typically chosen from the league’s officiating development program. Chake joined the program in 2014, which comprises officials from numerous levels who have been identified for potential promotion.
“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,” said Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations. “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.”
The NFL is working to diversify its officiating and its coaching ranks. Last year, the league celebrated its first game with an all-Black officiating crew and six women who were part of the 14 coaching staff who made it to the playoffs.
