Skip to content

Keynote Speakers at NATA 2026

More details to come!

Sarah Thomas

The NFL’s First Female Official; One of the Sports Illustrated 100 Most Influential NFL Figures of All Time

Sarah Thomas changed the game in the world’s most quintessential male-dominated sport – football – when she became the first female NFL official. Now she’s inspiring others to dream big and believe anything is possible.

She officiated her first NFL game on September 13, 2015, between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans – and on February 7, 2021, she became the first female to officiate a Super Bowl. Today, Sarah’s hat, whistle and flag are on display at the NFL Hall of Fame and serve as a testament to her historic achievements. Named one of the Sports Illustrated 100 most influential figures of all time, Sarah is no stranger to being the first or breaking gender-barriers.

Since joining the NFL’s roster of officials, she has become a trailblazing inspiration to women everywhere, and she keeps the mindset of being the best you can be – no barrier or ceiling is shatterproof.

Off the field, Sarah is a Marketing Specialist for Mid-South Rehab, Inc. and a National Speaker for Keppler Speakers Bureau. She was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She is a graduate of the University of Mobile, where she earned a full scholarship as a basketball player and Academic All-American honors. She has had many national recognitions for her accomplishments throughout her journey, but nothing compares to being a mom to her three beautiful children, Bridley (22), Brady (20), and Bailey (11).

Speaker Name

Speaker bio and topic coming soon.

Speaker Name

Speaker bio and topic coming soon.

Play Video