Shannon Eastin makes NFL history as first female referee [View all]

Shannon Eastin made history Thursday, becoming the first woman in the NFL's 97-year history to officiate a game. 97-year history to officiate a game. Eastin served as a side judge in the San Diego Chargers' preseason home opener against the Green Bay Packers.

Eastin's opportunity came as a result of the league's lockout of the NFL Referees Association officials in their collective bargaining agreement battle. The NFL began hiring replacement officials from the non Division I-A schools and other professional leagues on June 4.


Line judge Shannon Eastin takes the field during an NFL preseason football game between the San Diego Chargers and the Green Bay Packers on Thursday.CAPTIONBy Denis Poroy, AP
Eastin has 16 years of college experience, including four with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, college football's second-highest level.



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