Desiree Abrams Talks Breaking Barriers as a Black Woman Officiating Within the NFL

On this episode of BoomBox Weekly Podcast, we’re joined by trailblazer Desiree “Des” Abrams, a groundbreaking force in football officiating who is redefining what leadership looks like in a traditionally male-dominated industry. From her roots as a collegiate athlete to becoming a respected NFL Replay Assistant and global ambassador for the game, Abrams is breaking barriers and opening doors for the next generation. In this exclusive interview, Abrams takes us through her powerful journey from playing sports professionally to stepping onto the field as an official, working her way through the NFL Officiating Academy and going on to officiate over 8,000 games. She shares what it takes to rise through the ranks, the discipline behind mastering the craft, and the mindset required to command respect at the highest levels of football. We also dive into her historic impact across the sport — from being part of the first all-African American NFL officiating crew and one of the first crews with three Black women, to serving as Head of Officiating for the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC) and founding the National Women’s Football Officials Association (NWFOA). Abrams continues to lead on a global scale, officiating international championships and serving as a Global Flag Football Ambassador for the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Beyond the accolades, Abrams opens up about purpose, perseverance, and what it truly means to lead with excellence while creating opportunities for others. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and legacy — proving that breaking barriers isn’t just about making history, it’s about changing the game forever. Hosted by Omar Cook Stay Updated With Everything 247LC: https://www.247liveculture.com BoomBox Weekly is the premier podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the entertainment and music industry, featuring exclusive interviews with top celebrities and uncovering stories that shape their careers.