Fifty years after Connie Carberg broke ground as the first woman NFL scout, women are now holding influential positions across all facets of the National Football League. Ahead of the 2026 season, a new list highlights ten of the most impactful women in the league, spanning ownership, executive roles, media, and officiating.
Executive Leadership and Operations
Several women are driving key operational decisions for NFL teams. Dawn Aponte joined the Giants as senior vice president of football operations and strategy in February, bringing expertise in salary cap management and contract negotiations. She previously held roles with the Jets, Browns, and Dolphins, and served the NFL league office as chief administrator of football operations. Katie Blackburn, executive vice president for the Bengals, has been with the team since 1991. She made history in 2021 as the first woman appointed to the NFL's competition committee and oversees the team's day-to-day operations.
Jacqueline Davidson is in her seventh season with the Buccaneers and fourth as senior director of football research, contributing to roster and strategy decisions. Her previous experience includes contract negotiation and administration roles with the Jets.
Catherine Hickman, assistant general manager for the Browns since 2022, is the highest-ranking woman in an NFL front office. She previously served as vice president of football operations for the Eagles and has experience in the XFL and CFL.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon, daughter of the late Colts owner Jim Irsay, assumed ownership and CEO duties for the Colts in 2025. She has been actively involved with the team since 2008 and sits on league committees for Media Owned & Operated, 32 Equity, and Security & Fan Conduct.
Media and Broadcasting
In sports media, Mina Kimes has established a significant presence as an NFL analyst for ESPN, appearing on programs like "NFL Live." Her career began in investigative and business reporting before she moved to ESPN. Maria Taylor enters her sixth season as host of NBC's "Football Night in America" studio show. She was the first Black woman to host the Super Bowl pregame show and present the Lombardi Trophy.
Agents and Representation
Nicole Lynn, president of football for Klutch Sports, made history as the first Black woman to represent a quarterback in a Super Bowl and a top three draft pick. She joined Klutch Sports in 2021 and represents several notable players.
Fashion and Brand Influence
Kristin Juszczyk, wife of 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, has gained viral recognition for her custom puffer jackets and apparel through her brand, "Off Season." Her designs have been worn by celebrities, and she secured an NFL licensing deal in 2024.
Officiating
Sarah Thomas continues to make history as a full-time on-field official. Since becoming the first woman to hold this position in 2015, she officiated as the down judge for Super Bowl LV, making her the first woman to officiate the league's championship game.
Honorable mentions include Saints owner Gayle Benson, Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk, Sam Rapoport, who created the NFL Women’s Forum, reporter Erin Andrews, and Rams director of scouting Nicole Blake.