Shannon Eastin facts for kids

Shannon Eastin was born in 1970. She is famous for being the first female official in the National Football League (NFL). This is a huge achievement in sports history!

Before joining the NFL, Shannon spent 16 seasons officiating games. She worked for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, high school games, and even the Arizona Cardinals Red and White game.

Who is Shannon Eastin?

Shannon Eastin is a trailblazer in American football. She made history by becoming the first woman to officiate an NFL game. This opened doors for other women in professional sports.

She has a strong background in sports. Besides football, Shannon is also very skilled in judo. She has dedicated many years to sports, both as an athlete and an official.

Her Journey to the NFL

Shannon Eastin was hired as a replacement official in 2012. This happened during a time when the regular NFL referees were not working. Her first game was a preseason match on August 9. It was between the Green Bay Packers and the San Diego Chargers. She worked as a line judge, helping to make calls on the field.

Her first regular season NFL game was on September 9. In this game, the Detroit Lions played against the St. Louis Rams. Many NFL players were excited to see a woman officiating. Shannon's presence was a big step forward for women in sports.

Breaking Barriers

Shannon Eastin's role as an NFL official was very important. She showed that women can work in roles traditionally held by men. Even though she was a replacement official, her presence was historic.

Some people had concerns about her being hired during the lockout. However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell supported her. He said she was "well prepared" and would do "terrific." Shannon's courage helped to break a "glass ceiling" in NFL officiating.

Beyond Football: Judo and Training

Shannon Eastin is also an amazing judo athlete. When she was just 11 years old, she was the youngest judo athlete to train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. This shows her dedication and talent from a young age.

She has won six national judo championships. This proves her skill and hard work in the sport.

Today, Shannon owns a company called SE Sports Officiating. Her company helps train new officials for football and basketball games. She lives in Tempe, Arizona, and continues to contribute to the world of sports.

See also

• Sarah Thomas (American football official)
• Maia Chaka
• List of female American football players