Edy Lawson-Jackson and her daughter Samira Jackson have made history as the first mother-daughter agent team in the NFL, breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of professional football.
Certified by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) as sports agents, the Jacksons’ accomplishment emphasizes the growing presence of Black women in industries where they have historically been underrepresented.
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Edy Lawson-Jackson, a Maryland native, began her career in sports law in the late 1980s, focusing on athlete representation. Throughout her career, she has been a vocal advocate for expanding opportunities for women and people of color in the sports industry. In 2010, she became one of the few Black women to be certified as an NFL agent, representing professional football players at the highest level.
For her daughter Samira, a corporate finance professional with a law degree, following in her mother’s footsteps was a natural and fulfilling decision.
After witnessing her mother navigate the competitive field of sports representation, Samira pursued a similar path and, in 2022, she achieved her NFLPA certification. Together, they have made history as the NFL’s first mother-daughter agent team.
The process of becoming an NFL agent is rigorous, requiring both Edy and Samira to meet strict criteria, including passing a comprehensive exam, fulfilling continuing education requirements, and demonstrating in-depth knowledge of NFL regulations. This certification ensures that agents are well-equipped to represent NFL players in contract negotiations, marketing deals, and other professional opportunities.
In an industry where women, especially black women are underrepresented, the Jacksons’ achievement is one that has caught the eye of many. Of nearly 1,000 certified NFL agents, only 88 are women, and an even smaller fraction are black women. Their success marks a pivotal moment for diversity and inclusion in the NFL, and they continue to pave the way for future generations of women of color in sports.
Edy’s career spans over three decades, during which she has represented athletes, entertainers, and other high-profile clients. Her focus has been on expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups in the industry.
In an interview with The Baltimore Sun, Edy reflected on her journey and the significance of working alongside her daughter, saying, “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.”
Samira reinstated her mother’s sentiments, indicating the experience both inspiring and empowering. Before transitioning into sports representation, Samira worked in corporate finance, where she had to prove her expertise in a competitive and often exclusive industry. Her perseverance paid off, and she later joined her mother at their joint firm, Affiliated Sports Advisors (ASA), where they represent NFL players and continue to grow their roster.
The Jacksons’ achievement extends beyond personal milestones. As trailblazers, they represent a broader movement for increased diversity and inclusion in sports. Their work is opening doors for other women, particularly black women who have historically been excluded from positions of power in the industry.
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Edy Lawson-Jackson and Samira Jackson’s story highlights how the the NFL has evolved over the last years, and the powerful impact of Black women in shaping industries that are long dominated by others.
