In 2012, Eastin became the first woman to officiate on an NFL field, which she describes as “the honor of a lifetime.” She seems to give short shrift to the fact that she landed the temporary job as a line judge because the regular referees couldn’t work during a labor-dispute lockout. She shares her love for the New England Patriots, her dogs, judo (the sport of her youth), and God, and feels hurt by criticism of replacement referees. The next season, the NFL offered her a spot as a game-day assistant, working the play clock. In what seems like an understatement, she writes, “There were still mixed feelings from some officials toward those of us who had worked during the lockout.” Eastin does acknowledge Sarah Thomas, who, in 2015, becomes the first full-time female NFL ref, stating, “I’m glad for her and glad to have paved the way for her and others.” This is an interesting first-person account, written with a skilled coauthor, by a talented, complicated woman and sports figure.
— Booklist
At age six, Eastin had a fire raging inside her soul to be the best at something or everything. Having parents who supported and encouraged this yearning, she participated in many sports and excelled in all of them... In adulthood, this competitive spirit continued, and she began officiating sports, eventually gravitating toward football. She rose up the ranks by officiating high school and eventually college football games, and when NFL referees were locked out during a labor dispute before the 2012 season, she got the chance to officiate in professional games. This made her the first woman to officiate an NFL game, and she faced sexual harassment and misogyny in the sport. All this she recounts in her highly personal memoir, told in a raw, first-person narrative, with the help of well-known author Kate St. Vincent Vogel. The book details also Eastin’s struggles, relationships, and the large role her faith played throughout her career and life. This recommended story is one that needs to be told. It will inspire many people, especially girls and women, to overcome obstacles to their success.
— Library Journal
I was instantly engaged in Shannon Eastin’s provocative and very personal journey to becoming the first female to officiate in the NFL. Her story is equal parts inspiring and maddening—for the constant gender inequity she faced in what remains to this day a male-dominated profession. I found myself rooting for her as she stayed the course and achieved her incredible dream with competence, grace, and professionalism!
— Dana Sparling, executive director, Women's Gridiron Foundation
Shannon does an incredible job telling the story of becoming the first female on-field official in NFL history. But, this book is more than just that story. She takes a candid look at how athletics were an important part of her life growing up, and how her parents and faith shaped her into the person who she was then and is now. She discusses rising up through the officiating ranks and the struggles she faced along the way and also after her milestone achievement. She is also open about her personal life and relationships. This book is a must read!
— Ken Crippen, founder and lead instructor at the Football Learning Academy
A great read for all! Many women were not willing to go through what Shannon did and for that I admire the fight she has always had, rising her to the top. This story will inspire you to never give up!
— Kevin Kieser, twenty-year Division I College Football Official