maia chaka nfl referee

The NFL named Maia Chaka a game official, making her the first Black woman in the league's 100-year history to take on this role. She is the first Black woman hired by the NFL as an on-field official. That was my favorite teacher. Or,She changed my life, those are thethings that I work for, Chaka said. I also want them to know that its OKto step outside the box and work with people who are a little different from you. In 2000, Chaka graduated from Edison Career & Technology High School, Rochester. She is the first black woman hired by the NFL as an on-field official. Theyreafraid to step outside their comfort zone.". We honor the games history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials. Now, shes set to play wide receiver for USA Footballs womens national team. Chaka joined the Officiating Development Program for the NFL in 2014. And she works on her hand mechanics. Maia Chaka will become the first Black female on-field official in NFL history, the league announced on Friday. And, I just can't wait for that moment, you know, that opening kickoff. In 2011, she began officiating Division I football with Conference USA. I was proud for her and her moment, Chaka said about Thomas working in the Super Bowl. It is an accomplishment for all women, my community, and my culture.". Chaka is the first black female to join the ranks of NFL. While Chaka can't wait to get to work, here's what you should know about her: Chaka, a 2006 graduate of Norfolk State University,is a high school health and physical education teacher at the Renaissance Academy, part of the public school system in Virginia Beach. Maia Chaka Sarah Thomas NFL Official 2015 - Present On April 8, 2015, Sarah Thomas achieved her football dream by becoming the first woman to officiate full time in the NFL. I was like,OK, when is itgoing to be my turn? ", When I finally stoppedthinking about when my turn was coming, itbecame my turn, she said. That seemed natural. "And based upon my performance in college, they invited me to be a part of the program.". The NFL on Friday named Maia Chaka as the first Black woman to become a full-time league official. Both Chaka and Thomas officiated a Football Bowl subdivision game in 2014 and Chaka slowly made her way through the NFLs Officiating Development Program, and in March of this year, all her hard work was rewarded as she was promoted to become a full-time NFL official. These NBA players rejected HUGE contracts and fumbled the bag! Chaka had been a teacher for public schools with Virginia Beach for over ten years but before that she taught physical education and health at Renaissance Academy. Chaka was added Friday to the NFL roster of game officials for the 2021 season, becoming the first Black woman in league history to. But the main thing is to always be calm. When she was 32 in the summer of 2014, she was one of 21 referees chosenfor the NFL's Officiating Development Program. I'm just in awe. Chaka took the audience on a brief journey about her life by incorporating music into her presentation. Shell take this promotion as she does with every assignment as an official. Tonight at 11, a deadly mass shooting at a Texas outlet mall. A team investigation concluded the woman was lying in an attempt to extort Snyder. ( @NFL) pic.twitter.com/hhA1rZd6jE. By 2009, she officiated the Virginia State High School Championship Game hosted in Charlottesville, Virginia at UVA Scott Stadium on the campus of the University of Virginia. Mackie has been Chakas mentor as she progressed through training to become an NFL official. Ive just been grinding for so long at this, its just an honor to be able to join the National Football League., I just never thought the day would come.Virginia teacher Maia Chaka joins us to talk about making @NFL history by being named the leagues first Black female official. To entertain the crowd, she intertwined her love of hip-hop with her presentation. "It gives those girls an opportunity to see, 'OK, I can see my teacher works with people who don't look like her, and maybe it gives me an opportunity to work with people who don't look like me also,'" Chaka told ESPN. CNN Maia Chaka made history on Sunday, as she became the first Black woman to officiate an NFL game. Renaissance has been her first and only stop. As impressive as Chakas ascent has been in climbing the officiating ladder, her hands-on mark as an award-winning educator is inspiring in its own right. "When I step on the field for the first time as an NFL official. Maia Chaka becomes NFL's first Black female referee "I just never thought the day would come," she said. The NFL has hired Maia Chaka as a game official for the 2021 season, making her the first Black woman to join the league's on-field officiating staff. Thomas did a great job last year, and is currently paving the way for Chaka to be successful. She won't be alone in her jubilation in the upcoming moment. But thats what happened Chaka made history as the first Black woman to become an NFL official. Chaka and Thomas made history together for Conference USA as two female officials on the same crew for the 2013Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco. In the 2020/2021 Pac-12 season, Chaka was the head linesman, including at the 2021 Senior Bowl. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. The NFL has reportedly finalized the 17 officiating crews for the 2023 regular season, per Ben Austro of Football Zebras.. And so my sideline partner used to get an earful, because coaches didnt want to offend me or say the wrong thing. Maias 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, Troy Vincent, the NFLs director of football operations, said in a league statement. Thomas, who. Chaka told Today that she learned of her appointment Monday during a call with Wayne Mackie, the NFLs vice president of officiating evaluation and development. He told me itdidnt matterbecause Im an athlete who understood rules and concepts, and that Id be great at it if I just tried.. Chaka told "World News Tonight" about the moment she received the call. Meet Maia Chaka, the first Black woman ever named to the NFL's officiating staff Lorenzo Reyes USA TODAY 0:00 1:13 Maia Chaka has been a health and physical education teacher, working with. Chaka, who has officiated college football and XFL games, will begin her new role this upcoming season. She spent several seasons as a member of the developmental officiating program before her promotion in March. You never know where youll end up if you try doing something, she said. Charles III was Crowned King - a Lockport couple was across the pond to experience the once in a lifetime moment @daniellejchurch has their story and NFL official Maia Chaka speaks in Niagara Falls @WGRZ #Coronation pic.twitter.com/QnIYb8xrIF. Meet Maia Chaka, the NFL's first Black female official for 2021 season, who joins Super Bowl 55 down judge Sarah Thomas. She is the first Black woman hired by the NFL as an on-field official. Civil suits settled: Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has reached settlement agreements in 20 of the 24 active civil lawsuits filed against him by women who accused him of sexual misconduct, the attorney for the women announced. History is always great isnt it? A graduate of Norfolk State University, Chaka was a teacher at Virginia Beach and now is a fully fledged NFL referee. (Girls with Empowering Minds and Spirits), a club designed to promote self-esteem, academic achievement, and educational encouragement. Vinnie Iyer is an NFL writer at The Sporting News. Chaka, a health and physical education teacher in the Virginia Beach public school system, has been a college football official in the Pac-12 and Conference USA. However, she did discover something she was good at. I think my GPA was a 1.74," she said. All rights reserved. The latest: Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.), the chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, announced that the committee intends to issue a subpoena to compel the testimony of Commanders owner Daniel Snyder. M aia Chaka, 38, officiated her first NFL game over the weekend, becoming the first black woman to ref an NFL game. Maia Chaka referees a game on February 8, 2020, in Washington, D.C. Chaka is the first Black woman to be an official for the National Football League. But now, Chakas time has come, and she cant wait. Mar 6, 2021 12:53 PM EST Norfolk State University alumnus Maia Chaka will continue her trailblazing ways in the NFL in 2021. 2023 Rules Changes and Points of Clarification, Summits showcase pipeline for minority coaches, GMs, Their Causes, Their Impact: Player-Led Initiatives a Multiplying Force for Good. March 9, 2021 by Claire Gillespie Maia Chaka has made history by becoming the. Go out there, be confident and own your position." In 2014, Chaka got her first NFL experience as back judge for a preseason game between the New England Patriots. I just think its great just to have more representation, positive representation of women of color. Who will miss Dan Snyder? The programs referees work games during offseason minicamps and also officiate a preseason game. Chaka, who has officiated college football and XFL games, will begin her new role this upcoming season. The news came the day after Black History Month ended and as Womens History Month was beginning. Norfolk State University alum Maia Chaka and the NFL posted a video regarding officiating her first NFL regular-season game. "When I saw the introduction, I'm like, 'This is really real,' because this is just something that we're just always taught to work hard for. Upstate New York native Maia Chaka has made history as the NFL's first Black female referee. When she began officiating in Conference USA, she sensed that coaches known on every level for blasting officials with sometimesloud, salty languagewerehesitant to dispute close calls she was involved in. In 2021, Chaka founded the nonprofit Make Meaningful Change (MMC). Line judge Maia Chaka arrives for a an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Jets Sunday, Sept. 12, in Charlotte, N.C. (Jacob Kupferman/AP) Chaka, 38, grew up in. "When I step on the field for the first time as an NFL official its going to be a proud moment.Maia Chaka reflects ahead of her first @NFL regular season game: pic.twitter.com/PyHgLk7PQf. "It didn't really hit me until just now," Chaka said on "TODAY." The same applies in dealing withcoaches and players. The announcement comes weeks after Sarah Thomas became the first woman to work a Super Bowl on the officiating crew. On Sunday, Maia Chaka became the first black woman to officiate an NFL game when she was a line judge for the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets match. How the Hiring Came About Expanded coverage of Carolinas Week 1 victory. Chaka officiated as a head linesman for Pac-12 games last season. Referee Maia Chaka during the second preseason game for the Ravens in Philadelphia. Control what you can control. "This historic moment to me is an honor and it's a privilege that I've been chosen to. Shes also worked collegiately in the Pac-12 Conference and Conference USA. In 2014, Chaka was selected for the NFLs Officiating Development Program, which identifies top collegiate officiating talent to expose them to some of the same experiences as NFL officials, working to determine if they have the ability to succeed as an NFL official. After all my playing days were done, officiating was a way of staying involved in sports, Chaka said. In 2014, Chaka got her first NFL experience as back judge for a preseason game between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. Her most recent assignment in that capacity was at an all-star game for NFL scouts, the 2021 Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 30. The news came as a pleasant surprise to Chaka. Sometimes we just dont take time to stop and smell our own roses. But this moment is bigger than a personal accomplishment. : #NYJvsCAR -- 1pm ET on CBS: NFL app pic.twitter.com/EaYYsuEA2J, When I step on the field for the first time as an NFL official, its gonna be a proud moment, Chaka said. The 41-year-old Rochester native talked about her tough times growing up in Rochester. She also was named to an officiating crew in theshort-lived XFL revival in 2020 after working Alliance of American Football games in 2019. He goes, Welcome to the National Football League, and I just went nuts, Chaka said. [5] On March 5, 2021, Chaka received her promotion as an on-field official for the National Football League. Caps continue to dominate list of longest-tenured D.C. pro athletes, in 2015 became the NFLs first female official, issue a subpoena to compel the testimony of Commanders owner Daniel Snyder, according to legal correspondence obtained by The Post, reached settlement agreements in 20 of the 24 active civil lawsuits. Sometimes we just don't take time to stop and smell our own roses. A lot of times, especially with the kids Im working with, theyre afraid to work with people that dont look likethem or dontlisten to the same music they listen to. Your login session has expired. Some people think that these kids may not deserve great teachers or great leaders. [7] In 2008, Chaka founded G.E.M.S. Maia Chaka is making history today.She will be the first black woman to officiate an NFL game. 1, you see somebody that you engage with every day make it to the highest level, Chaka, 38, told USA TODAY Sports. Its a proud moment for myself, its a proud moment for my family. Youreconstantlyputting out fires with students or whatever it is, she said. Austin invited her to officiate an East Carolina University scrimmage. Chaka will wear number 100 and officiate the 2021 NFL season as a line judge. Its a proud moment for my community and my students and my co-workers.. The NFL on Friday named Maia Chaka as the first Black woman to become a full-time league official. "Maia's years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance - including as par to the NFL Officiating Development Program - have earned her a position as an NFL official," Vincent said. The NFL made the. In 2008, she created a club, G.E.M.S (Girls with Empowering Minds and Spirits),with a mission tobolster self-esteem, attendance and academic achievement. The Super Bowl MVP said he's "elated" for her accomplishment. U.S. Maia Chaka becomes first Black woman official in NFL history By Zoe Christen Jones March 8, 2021 / 7:28 PM / CBS News The first time Maia Chaka fell in love with football, she wasn't. She was the line judge during the game between the Carolina Panthers and. Maia Chaka, a health and physical education teacher from Virginia Beach, is the second women to become an NFL referee after Sarah Thomas. Chaka, 39, entered Sunday with an impressive resume: She earned her bachelors in education in 2006 from historically Black university Norfolk State University before beginning her teaching and officiating careers, according to a release from the NFL. Chaka started her officiating career working high school games in Hampton Roads. In September 2021, Rochester native Maia Chaka made history when she became the first Black woman to be a National Football League referee. Ive gotten so much feedback, she said. Austin hired her immediately after the scrimmage. Exclusive: An employee of Washingtons NFL team accused Snyder of asking for sex, groping her and attempting to remove her clothes, according to legal correspondence obtained by The Post. The announcement was made exclusively. [1] Chaka served as an official for the 2013 Fight Hunger Bowl, along with Thomas. Referee Maia Chaka during the second preseason game for the Ravens in Philadelphia. Tonight at 11, Maia Chaka, the first Black woman to officiate an NFL game, speaks in WNY @WGRZ pic.twitter.com/Z8WhFOzZ7F, "Whenever you're trying to get anywhere in life, you need to have somebody who is going to be your ride or die, literally, somebody who is always going to advocate for you and put you in a good position. pic.twitter.com/snZ3tdUZJc. TroyVincent, the leagues executive vice president for football operations, stressed Chakas opportunity wasnot based on symbolism. Now, just weeks after Sarah Thomas became the firstwomanon the officiating crew fora Super Bowl, Chaka has broken another barrier. As officials, youre taught to work every game like its the biggest game, she said. "I'm so excited to be a member of the National Football League's officiating staff. It goes to show that its not clich, that hard work does pay off as long as you stay to the grind, Chaka said. On Sunday, September 11, Maia Chaka became the first Black female referee to serve in an NFL game, converting on her March accomplishment of becoming the first Black woman to be selected as an NFL official. I never played. Man, I would say … justhaving to be patient, Chaka said. Officiating career Lorenzo Reyes with USA TODAY Sports breaks down how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are embracing diverse on the field. "She's shown progress at every level. And just that constant exposure of being around it and being around other veteran officials. Go out there, be confident and own your position.. The challenge for herwas tocontinue togrowafter sheestablished the NFL as a realistic goal early in her officiating career. It's a proud moment for myself. Its an accomplishment for all women, my community and for my culture, Chaka said. Maia Chaka became the first Black woman to referee an NFL game on Sunday afternoon when she served as a line judge in the Carolina Panthers' season opener with the New York Jets. Chaka is well aware that earning her new position isimportant to continue opening doors for more diversity in the NFL's hires, officiating and otherwise. It was basically a job interview or an audition, she said. I will always remember that day," she said. I interviewed former Grambling State alum and NFL quarterback Doug Williams a few weeks ago concerning Chaka's ascension in the ranks of NFL officials. Andsince 2014, Chaka participatedin the NFLs developmental program for officials, which involvedclinics, working team practices at OTAs and mini-camps, college all-star game assignments, preseason games and evaluations from NFL supervisors. "As long as you put in the work and you have a strong work ethic, and you strive for greatness and strive to get better, all your dreams and goals and aspirations will always come true," she said. In 2014, as she entered her eighth season in stripes, Chaka was invited to join the NFLs Mackie Development Program (MDP). Renaissance Academy and similar schools meet the needs of students who are not succeeding in a traditional setting, typicallywith behavioral and academic challenges requiring more personalized support. "I am honored . Sports NFL's First All-Black Crew Officiated 'Monday Night Football' Game The Undefeated reports that Chaka has the words "hustle, grind, conquer, dominate" on a wall in her office, and that. I had to go to summer school. She refereed her first Super Bowl on Feb. 7, 2021. I didnt think about, When is it going to be my time? I was just focusing on being the best official that I could be not just being the best female but being the best official. Maia Chaka made history on Sunday, becoming the first black woman to officiate an NFL game. As tough as it is to see your colleagues move on while you are stagnant for alittle bit, you stillhave to find it inside of you to continue to work hard and get better., Super Bowl 55: Women make history in more ways than one. Troy Vincent, an African American and the NFL's second-in-command behind Commissioner Roger Goodell, celebrated Chaka's appointment. After five years of working varsity-level games, she attended an officiating camp, where she caught the eye of a former NFL official, Gerald Austin. [1] She graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006. Football is an essential piece of Americas fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. To have students saying,I remember her. Maia Chaka is walking history as the first Black woman tapped as an NFL game official, yet she is quick to insist this is not about her. Chakas debut came in Week 1 of the 2021 season between the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets, serving as a line judge. She is the NFL's first black woman employed as an on-field official. 2023 National Football League. We welcome Maia Chaka to the 2021 roster of game officials! Also Check Out: Complete NFL Week 2 TV Schedule. By remaining on this website, you indicate your consent. Chakas resume includes awards for Teacher ofthe Year (2014), Reading Teacherof the Year and I Make A Difference, but she will tell you the ultimate reward is toenhance somebodys life, to make it a better life.. [5] Chaka began her career in education as a health and physical education teacher at Virginia Beach Central Academy in 2006 which later became Renaissance Academy. "There were a couple of scouts around the area and they watched me progress as an official throughout my college career," Chaka told The Virginian-Pilot seven years ago. When I saw the introduction, Im like, This is really real, because this is just something that were just always taught to work hard for. When Chaka mentions that conflict-resolution skills area huge, huge deal, shesreferring to both roles. "I found out I could throw flags really well, and because I could throw flags really well, and tell men what to do all the time, and force them to listen to me, I thought, 'That officiating would be like a better path,' " she said. In 2019, Chaka began officiating NCAA Division I women's basketball. Chaka is the first black female to join the ranks of NFL officials in the league's history. Be the first one to comment on this story. [5] In 2018, Chaka began working regular season Pac-12 games. Burns extension coming before camp? She admits that looking up at the numerous Super Bowl banners proudly hanging in Gillette Stadium was surreal, but once play began, it was just another game. MORE: How much are Super Bowl officials paid? Chaka, who spent seven years in the NFL's Officiating Development Program, was overwhelmed learning the news of her March 1 promotionfrom working college football games in the Pac-12 Conference. The NFL announced that they hired their first Black female referee on March 5. Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Charlotte area sports - only $1 a month. Before enrolling at Norfolk State, sheplayedbasketball at Finger Lakes Community College in upstate New York, near her hometown of Rochester. Shesees her high-profile promotion to the NFLmore as a lesson plan for her students than a historical milestone. She is the only rookie official to patrol the field after six officials retired at the end of the 2020-21 season. Maia Chaka 1981/1982 (age4041))[1] is an official in the National Football League, wearing uniform number 100. But after a year or so, it wasequal-opportunity chew-outs.. Chaka has spent morethan 14 years teaching health and physical education at Renaissance Academy, an alternative education school in Virginia Beach, Virginia,that caters to the needs of at-risk students. Who is the newest female NFL referee, and how did she get to where she is today? Chaka, who was hired by the league on March 5, worked as the line judge in. At the time, then-NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino heaped high praise onChaka, saying she had a "great understanding of the game." This article was published more than2 years ago. "I am honored to be selected as an NFL official," Chaka said in a statement released by the league. Maia Chaka, NFL's first Black female official, is a teacher whose conflict-resolution skills will be key on field. She went from working high school games to Conference USA to the Pac-12 Conference. I think the complete opposite. She was one of two women selected the other was Thomas, who hails from Brandon, Miss. Every D.C. owner who has enjoyed a free pass. https://t.co/1NHls98Lwi pic.twitter.com/ycOxc6Cq1t. Maia Chaka becomes first Black woman to officiate NFL game The 38-year-old is only the third woman in history to have an officiant title in the NFL. After her appearance on the Today Show, Chaka said her phone is blowing up.. We welcome Maia Chaka to the 2021 roster of game officials! BUFFALO, N.Y. Maia Chaka spent Saturday afternoon in Niagara Falls talking about life and sports. Maia Chaka made NFL history as the first Black woman to be named an official referee by the league. NEWS 'I thought I was being punked.' Rochester native Maia Chaka is NFL's first Black female referee Robert Bell Rochester Democrat and Chronicle 0:00 1:25 On March 5, history was made when. She then began officiating college football, including games in the Pac-12 and Conference USA. In 2014, Chaka and Thomas were selected for the NFLs Officiating Development Program, which identifies top collegiate officiating talent to expose them to some of the same experiences as NFL officials, working to determine if they have the ability to succeed in the top football league.

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