The Truth About The NFL's First Black Female Referee, Maia Chaka

It was a long journey for Chaka, who has been part of the league's Officiating Development Program since 2014. That program was aimed at selecting college-level referees for potential opportunities in the NFL through a series of screenings and training camps.

She told Today that all of her hard work culminated into one of her greatest achievements. "I've just been grinding for so long at this, it's just an honor to be able to join the National Football League," said Chaka.

Prior to joining the NFL, Chaka also worked in college football. She has experience working in collegiate athletic conferences such as Conference USA and the Pacific 12 conference (or Pac-12), and has also helped officiate preseason NFL games.

Chaka is an alumna of Norfolk State, where she got her bachelor's in education. She later taught physical education in Virginia's public schools, and afterward, officiated high school football games, where she got her first start at refereeing.

Her historic role is nothing short of a major achievement. But she's not alone. She joins fellow female referee, Sarah Thomas, who continues to make history, as recently at the Super Bowl last month, reports Sportscasting. The two both officiated NCAA games and became the first women to do so, the same year Chaka joined the NFL's Officiating Development Program, reported Today.

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