Jackson Lawson and her daughter, Samira Jackson, are the first mother-daughter tandem to be certified as sports agents by the NFL Players Association. Edy Lawson-Jackson, a Maryland native who began her career in sports law in the late 1980s, specialized in defending athletes and lobbying for more possibilities for women and minorities in sports. In 2010, she received her NFLPA accreditation, making her one of the few Black women to represent players in professional football.
For Samira, following in her mother’s footsteps felt like the inevitable decision. With a background in corporate finance and a law degree, she saw how her mother negotiated the competitive world of sports representation. Samira earned her NFLPA certification in 2022, joining the unprecedented mother-daughter agency pair that represents NFL athletes.
Earning NFLPA accreditation is not easy; agents must pass a difficult exam, complete ongoing education requirements, and demonstrate in-depth understanding of NFL laws. The rigorous training guarantees that agents are properly equipped to argue for players during contract negotiations and other professional affairs, a challenge that Edy and Samira enthusiastically accepted.
In a field where Black women are severely underrepresented, the couple’s accomplishment is especially impressive. With only 88 female agents out of over 1,000 credentialed by the NFLPA, and even fewer being Black women, the Jacksons’ achievement is historic. They are trailblazers, opening up new chances for future generations of women of color in the sports world.
Edy’s sports law career spans three decades, with experience in a variety of industries including entertainment and sports law before becoming an NFLPA-certified agent in 2010. Throughout her career, she has promoted diversity and represented a diverse range of clients, with a particular emphasis on giving underrepresented groups a voice in the industry.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Edy reflected on their adventure, stating that it was a dream come true to share this experience with her daughter. It is critical to demonstrate that Black women have a place in this environment and that we can make a difference.” Samira mirrored her mother’s views, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with her and continue breaking down barriers.
Edy and Samira’s journey as the first mother-daughter NFL agent team represents not only a personal milestone, but also a growing push toward greater diversity and inclusion in the sports world. Their work is paving the road for more Black women to break into and flourish in a traditionally male-dominated field.