Edy Lawson-Jackson and her daughter Samira Jackson have made history as the first mother-daughter pair to receive certification from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) as sports agents. Their achievement not only marks a significant milestone but also highlights the perseverance, hard work, and dedication of Black women advancing in fields where they are often underrepresented.
About the duo
Edy Lawson-Jackson, hailing from Maryland, embarked on her career in sports law in the late 1980s, focusing on athlete representation. Throughout her career, Edy has championed the expansion of opportunities for women and people of color within the sports industry.
By 2010, she had earned her NFLPA certification, becoming one of the few Black women to represent professional football players at the highest level. For her daughter Samira, stepping into her mother’s footsteps was a natural choice.
With a background in corporate finance and a law degree, Samira observed her mother’s navigation through the competitive world of sports representation and decided to follow a similar path. In 2022, Samira earned her NFLPA certification, making history as part of the first mother-daughter team to represent NFL athletes.
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What is an NFL agent?
Becoming an NFL agent is a challenging endeavour. Both Edy and Samira had to meet demanding criteria to obtain their NFLPA certifications, including passing a comprehensive exam, fulfilling continuing education requirements, and demonstrating a thorough understanding of NFL regulations.
The certification process ensures that agents are well-prepared to advocate for NFL players in contract negotiations, marketing deals, and other professional opportunities. In a field where women, especially Black women, are significantly underrepresented, the Jacksons’ achievement is a landmark moment.
Recent data indicates that out of nearly 1,000 certified NFL agents, only 88 are women, with an even smaller number being Black women. This makes the Jacksons' accomplishment particularly notable as they continue to forge a path for future generations of women of colour in the industry.
In an interview with The Baltimore Sun, Edy reflected on her journey and her work life with daughter "It’s been a long road, but to be able to do this work with my daughter is a dream come true. It’s so important for us to show that Black women belong in this space, and that we can make a significant impact.”
The moment is special as it is the changing face of the NFL, they are part of a broader movement that seeks to increase diversity and inclusion in the world of sports.
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