HBCU Legends

Maia Chaka in 'Awe' and 'Proud' to Officiate Her First NFL Game (HBCU/Video)

Norfolk State University alum Maia Chaka and the NFL posted a video ahead of officiating her first NFL regular-season game.

Kyle T. Mosley

Norfolk State University alum Maia Chaka and the NFL posted a video regarding officiating her first NFL regular-season game. Chaka is the first black female to join the ranks of NFL officials in the league's history. She spent several seasons as a member of the developmental officiating program before her promotion in March.

Chaka was glowing when speaking about the importance of taking the field as an official this opening weekend.

"When I step on the field for the first time as an NFL official. It's going to be a proud moment. It's a proud moment for myself. It's a proud moment for my family; it's a proud moment for my community, students, and co-workers."

She won't be alone in her jubilation in the upcoming moment. 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. The Super Bowl MVP said he's "elated" for her accomplishment. He repeated a couple of times that she had to be the "one" because of her preparation, commitment, and intelligence.

“This historic moment to me is an honor and it’s a privilege that I’ve been chosen to represent women and women of color in the most popular sport in America," Chaka eloquently stated.

She continued, "Proving that I can defy the odds and overcome and in pretty much master the craft of a sport that I didn't really play, but I have a love and a passion for. Hopefully, that just gives somebody else. You know some inspiration and empowers them to step outside the box and do something different. I'm just in awe. And, I just can't wait for that moment, you know, that opening kickoff. I can't wait to see how that really feels."

Chaka will wear number 100 and officiate the 2021 NFL season as a line judge. She is the only rookie official to patrol the field after six officials retired at the end of the 2020-21 season.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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