Nationwide — Jackson Lawson and her daughter, Samira Jackson, have made history as the first mother-daughter duo certified as sports agents by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). Originally from Maryland, Edy Lawson-Jackson, who started her career in sports law during the late 1980s, focused on representing athletes and advocating for increased opportunities for women and minorities in the sports world. In 2010, she achieved her NFLPA certification, becoming one of the few Black women to represent players at the professional football level.
For Samira, following in her mother’s footsteps seemed a natural choice. With a background in corporate finance and a law degree, she observed how her mother successfully navigated the competitive landscape of sports representation. In 2022, Samira obtained her NFLPA certification, forming part of the groundbreaking mother-daughter agent team representing NFL athletes.
Earning NFLPA certification is no easy feat, requiring agents to pass a comprehensive exam, meet continuing education standards, and demonstrate in-depth knowledge of NFL regulations. The rigorous process ensures that agents are fully prepared to advocate for players in contract negotiations and other professional matters, a challenge both Edy and Samira embraced wholeheartedly.
In a field where Black women are significantly underrepresented, the pair’s achievement is particularly noteworthy. With only 88 female agents out of nearly 1,000 certified by the NFLPA, and an even smaller fraction of those being Black women, the Jacksons’ success is a landmark moment. They serve as trailblazers, creating new opportunities for future generations of women of color in the sports industry.
Edy’s sports law career spans over three decades, having worked in various fields, including entertainment and sports law, before becoming an NFLPA-certified agent in 2010. Throughout her career, she has championed diversity and has represented a wide array of clients, with a focus on giving underrepresented groups a voice in the industry.
Reflecting on their journey in an interview with Good Morning America, Edy said, “To be able to do this with my daughter is a dream come true. It’s important to show that Black women have a place in this space and that we can make an impact.” Samira echoed her mother’s sentiments, expressing pride in the opportunity to work alongside her and continue breaking down barriers.
As the first mother-daughter team of NFL agents, Edy and Samira’s journey not only marks a personal milestone but also signals a growing movement toward greater diversity and inclusion in the sports industry. Their work is paving the way for other Black women to break into and succeed in an industry that has long been dominated by men.
