The NFL fans are getting to witness numerous transformations and revolutions in the league. As most of the officials and players in the league are males, women are also making a mark there. A few days back, 19-year-old safety Haley Van Voorhis became the first female non-kicker. However, there have been some other females as well, who have made it to the NFL. One of them is NFL official Robin DeLorenzo.
The 43-year-old DeLorenzo is nothing less than an inspiration for all the women aspiring to enter the NFL. She is a Garden State native who made her debut in the league last year. Robin DeLorenzo served as an official in the preseason match between the New York Giants and New England Patriots. During an interview, she mentioned how important it was for her to show people that she could do it.
“It’s one thing to tell them you can do anything, but it’s a completely different thing to actually show them, and it’s only recently I’ve realized that, how important it is to show kids that, just keep working at something…,” she said.
However, it’s worth noting that Robin is not the first or only woman official in the NFL. As per reports, she’s the 3rd female who has joined the NFL as an official. It’s worth noting that Sarah Thomas was the first woman referee in the league. Born in September 1973, Thomas officiated her first NFL game in 2015.
Before making her NFL debut as an official, Robin DeLorenzo reportedly gained around 2 years of experience. After getting the official position in the NFL, the 43-year-old has been getting constant media attention.
Robin DeLorenzo was a cheerleader before deciding to become a referee
Robin DeLorenzo has been interested in the game of football ever since she was a child. As per reports, her father, Rich, was also an official. This probably further allowed the woman official to be familiar with the game. However, she has mentioned that it was still a tough job for her as women were not meant to be an official.
“I’ve always loved the actual game of football since I was little… I gotta be honest, though. My father being an official it never dawned on me, because there were no women doing this,” she said.
Before going to try for the referee position, Robin DeLorenzo was a cheerleader. However, she decided to take her passion to the next level and worked alongside her dad. During an interview, the 43-year-old’s father mentioned that he supported her to follow her aspirations.
Robin DeLorenzo has mentioned how difficult it is for women to enter these sports. However, she got enough support from her fiance Tom, and father. The star referee never lost hope and paved her way toward her dream of entering the NFL. After all the efforts, here she is now, shining as the third woman official in the league.
