247 Live Culture Podcast

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