Desiree Abrams Talks Breaking Barriers as a Black Woman Referee in the NFL
Desiree Abrams Talks Breaking Barriers as a Black Woman Referee in the NFL
By: Omar Cook
Los Angeles, CA — BoomBox Weekly Podcast is proud to present an all-new episode featuring Desiree “Des” Abrams, a trailblazing football official and global leader who is breaking barriers and redefining the future of the game. As one of the most accomplished Black women in football officiating, Abrams joins the show to share her journey, impact, and continued mission to open doors for the next generation.
On this episode of BoomBox Weekly, listeners are taken inside Abrams’ powerful evolution—from a collegiate athlete to a pioneering force in football officiating at the highest levels of the sport.
After retiring from playing professionally, Abrams remained committed to the game she loved, transitioning into officiating through the NFL Officiating Academy. What began as a passion quickly turned into a historic career, as she went on to officiate over 8,000 flag football games while rising through the ranks across high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Today, she serves as an NFL Replay Assistant, collegiate official, and Head of Officiating for the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC).
Abrams’ résumé is nothing short of groundbreaking. She has officiated some of the sport’s biggest stages, including the NFL Pro Bowl, NFL Flag Championships, NAIA Women’s Collegiate Championships, and multiple International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Championships as a Crew Chief. In 2023, she made history as part of the first all-African American NFL officiating crew and one of the first crews to feature three Black women—marking a major milestone for representation in the league.
Beyond the field, Abrams is a visionary leader and advocate for the growth of women in football. She is the Founder of the National Women’s Football Officials Association (NWFOA), an organization dedicated to elevating standards and creating opportunities for women in officiating. She also plays a key role in shaping the future of the sport as Chair of USA Football’s Flag Football Competition Committee and a member of the IFAF Rules Committee. Most recently, she has been named a Global Flag Football Ambassador for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, further cementing her influence on the international stage.
In the podcast episode, host Omar Cook dives into Abrams’ journey, the discipline behind officiating at an elite level, and the importance of leadership, representation, and legacy. She shares insight into navigating a male-dominated industry, the responsibility of setting the standard, and how she continues to inspire and uplift future generations of officials.
This episode is a must-listen for fans of sports, leadership, and anyone inspired by stories of perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers.
Watch the full episode on YouTube and listen on all major platforms!
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