First female NFL ref takes field for Packers-Chargers game - Minneapolis News and Weather KMSP FOX 9

By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer

The NFL's first female official is welcoming her role as a sports pioneer.

Shannon Eastin says she's excited and a bit nervous but not at all intimidated by the challenge of working a pro game. Eastin makes her NFL debut Thursday night as the line judge when the Green Bay Packers play at San Diego in the preseason opener for both teams. A 42-year-old referee in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference - college football's second-highest level - Eastin has 16 years of officiating experience.

She is among the replacement officials hired by the league while the regular officials are locked out. Like the rest of her current colleagues, she could easily be back to her regular officiating gig once a new labor deal is struck.

"I want to encourage women: Don't be afraid," Eastin said on a conference call Tuesday. "Pursue and have dreams. This is my dream. With very step I hope to show it really doesn't matter if you are male or female."

Eastin is in a particularly difficult spot for three reasons:

- No woman has officiated an NFL game;

- The Chargers host the Packers on national television;

- She is viewed by some of the NFL's regular officials as a scab.

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