Edy Lawson-Jackson and Samira Jackson: Breaking Barriers as the NFL’s First Mother-Daughter Agent Duo

In a league where few women—and even fewer Black women—have a seat at the table, Edy Lawson-Jackson and her daughter, Samira Jackson, have etched their names into NFL history. Together, they are the first mother-daughter duo certified as sports agents, a milestone built on resilience, determination, and the transformative power of representation in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Hailing from the heart of Baltimore, Edy Lawson-Jackson’s passion for sports and law ignited early, setting her on a trailblazing path destined to inspire generations. After graduating from Baltimore City College in 1986, she pursued a legal education at Howard University School of Law. Her commitment never wavered; Edy passed the bar exam on her first attempt—while in the final month of pregnancy with her daughter, Samira.

In 2010, Edy achieved another historic milestone, earning her NFL Players Association (NFLPA) certification and becoming one of the few Black women authorized to represent professional football players at the highest level.

The saying goes, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” In Samira Jackson’s case, the saying couldn’t be more fitting. Inspired by her mother’s pioneering spirit, Samira forged her own, yet remarkably similar, path. Armed with a background in corporate finance and a law degree, she witnessed firsthand the triumphs and challenges her mother faced in the world of sports representation.

In 2022, Samira earned her NFLPA certification and joined Edy at Affiliated Sports Advisors (ASA), officially forming the first mother-daughter agent team in NFL history. Together, they represent NFL athletes, negotiate contracts, secure marketing deals, and provide comprehensive guidance to their clients—raising the standard for what’s possible in sports representation.

Make no mistake: their accomplishments are no small feat. Becoming an NFL agent is a rigorous task, requiring candidates to pass a comprehensive exam, meet continuing education requirements, and demonstrate extensive knowledge of NFL regulations. Out of nearly 1,000 certified NFL agents, only 88 are women—and an even smaller fraction are Black women.

Edy and Samira’s achievement shatters barriers and paves the way for greater diversity and inclusion within the industry. Reflecting on their journey, Edy expressed her pride in working alongside her 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.