Free Republic

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Arizona Cardinals assistant Jen Welter has become the first woman to coach an NFL game, the same night the league's first full-time female on-field official made her preseason debut. Welter worked Saturday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs as an inside linebackers coach, while Sarah Thomas served as the line judge in the seven-person officiating crew.

Thomas comes backed with a strong resume, having been the first female official to work a major collegiate bowl game. She joins eight other referees granted first-time employment for league games. "Our incoming officials have all demonstrated that they are among the best in college football," NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino said in a statement. "We are excited about having them join us." Thomas had been doing some sideline work for Browns, Saints and Colts minicamp practices in the past, but she truly made her name through a strong resume at the NCAA level.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Sarah Thomas saw the New York City area code pop up on her phone and started praying it was the NFL calling to say she'd been hired as a full-time game official.Not because that would make her the first woman to hold the job. Her hopes were those of any longtime official on the cusp of working at the sport's pinnacle.