Des Abrams was recently interviewd by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and here is the Q&A we had with Des.
Des Abrams As Cover Story Interview – May 2026 Magazine Edition
How do you introduce yourself?
I’m Des Abrams, a Washington, DC–based flag and tackle football official, collegiate flag football assigner, and global ambassador for the game. I work at all levels of football with a focus on professionalism, development, and helping elevate the standard of officiating—especially as flag football continues to grow worldwide.
Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?
I’ve been through most of the events that make a person a well rounded and reflective being. I’ve been through rejection, betrayal, loss of loved ones, doubters, haters, and marital separation due to the pursuit of a dream. In the field of football, one of my greatest challenges has been establishing my brand as a football official and earning respect in a field that has historically been male dominated. Visibility does not always equal acceptance, and I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove my credibility, consistency, and football knowledge. Building trust with peers, coaches, and administrators while advocating for inclusion hasn’t always been easy, but those challenges strengthened my resolve and sharpened my voice.
What do people usually not know about you?
People may not realize how intentional I am about mentorship and legacy. I get this from my parents who are bot ha part of fraternal organizations that believe in communit service. Every game I work and every official I assign or train is part of a bigger picture—creating pathways and opportunities for women to thrive in both tackle and flag football through excellence, preparation, and confidence.
What sets you apart from others?
I’m a firm believer that there’s enough success in the world for everyone and that you canget what you need if you ask for it, create it, and accept it when it presents itself to you. I don’t just officiate football—I help shape the future of the game. What sets me apart is my commitment to building sustainable systems that support officials while maintaining the highest standards of performance. I lead with accountability, education, and collaboration, and I believe representation at the highest levels begins with excellence on the field.
What are your upcoming major events ?
I’m just coming off an amazing year. I was elevated to a Division 1 tackle football official, worked as and IFAF official in the World Games in China, worked the Fanantics Flag Football Classic as the Championship Referee, worked an NFL playoff game, lead the fthe assignment of officials for the 1st Division 2 women’s flag football conference – Conference Carolinas – and was the first woman to ever serve as a Referee at in NFL game at the 2026 Pro Bowl Games. Next up is the Women’s Collegiate Falg Championships, the NFL Flag Championship and hopefully the chance to represent the US at the IFAF Flag Football World Championships. I continue to assign and officiate collegiate and elite flag football competitions while expanding my work as a global ambassador for the sport. My focus remains on supporting the continued growth of women’s flag and tackle football, developing officials, and strengthening international and domestic officiating pipelines.
What expert advice would you like to give?
Bet on your preparation, let your passion build your body of work. Respect is earned through consistency, confidence, and competence. Know your craft, advocate for yourself, and don’t wait for permission to lead. If you don’t see space for yourself, build it—and bring others with you. Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.
Your social media handles and website links?
- Instagram: desiree.s.abrams
- Facebook: Desiree Abrams
- X / Twitter: @AbramsDes
- LinkedIn: profile link
- Website / Organization page: CFFO.co
Jose R. Harwood is a the Chief Editor and Author at TheCelebrity.Online and expert in Entertainment Industry working with TheCelebrity.Online Magazine – You can reach Jose R. Harwood via Contact page! – Read more on our About Us page.
