Female official makes history | Seattle Times Newspaper

SAN DIEGO — Shannon Eastin has become the first woman to officiate an NFL game.

Eastin broke the NFL's on-field gender barrier Thursday night, serving as the line judge for a seven-man crew working an exhibition game between the Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers.

Wearing No. 27 on the back of her official's uniform, Eastin was dwarfed by the players as she lined up in front of San Diego's sideline and had a camera following nearly every move before the game.

The 42-year-old from Tempe, Ariz., seemed at ease in the spotlight, though, and had at least two players shake her hand right before the opening kickoff.

Though she wasn't involved in many calls until late, Eastin stayed steady among the giants and the national spotlight, earning her stripes by receiving the ultimate officials' compliment: It was almost as if she wasn't there.

It's no surprise.

She's a referee in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, college football's second-highest level, and a 16-year veteran of officiating. Eastin got her NFL shot as a replacement official, among a group taking the place of the regular refs, who are locked out.

Exhibition games

Broncos 31, at Bears 3

Peyton Manning's first appearance with the Denver Broncos was brief and a bit uneven.

Manning got intercepted near the goal line on the game's opening possession and watched from the sideline the rest of the way as Denver beat Chicago.

At Eagles 24, Steelers 23

Alex Henery kicked a 51-yard field goal with 12 seconds left to lift Philadelphia over Pittsburgh.

Ben Roethlisberger was sharp in his only series for the Steelers. He led the offense on a 16-play scoring drive in the first game under new offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick escaped injury after banging his left thumb on center Jason Kelce's helmet, and took a seat on the bench after the offense went three-and-out in his only two drives. Vick got hurt on his final throw and was wincing in pain when he came off the field. X-rays on Vick's thumb were negative.

Ravens 31, at Falcons 17

Baltimore backup Curtis Painter threw three second-half touchdown passes. Atlanta's Matt Ryan led two touchdown drives, including a scoring pass to Julio Jones, before Painter took over.

At Patriots 7, Saints 6

Tom Brady left after two series and 15 plays and finished with four completions in seven attempts for 30 yards.

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees also played two series, lasting just six plays. He was 1 of 4 for 4 yards in his second exhibition game.

Redskins 7, at Bills 6

After a muffed handoff and no first downs in the first two series of his NFL debut, Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III found his rhythm by completing his final three passes for 58 yards, capped by a 20-yard touchdown to Pierre Garcon.

At Chargers 21, Packers 13

Chargers starting running back Ryan Mathews is expected to miss at least a month after breaking his collarbone. Mathews was injured on his first carry. He is expected to have surgery Friday and coach Norv Turner said he'll be out four to six weeks.

Note

• Cleveland Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. It is hoped he can return by the season opener.

By The Associated Press