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Welter, Thomas give preseason game a female flair

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Jen Welter walked from the sideline and shook hands with the line judge for the night's game between the Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs.

This was no everyday meeting. More like a barrier-breaker.

Once a men's-only world, the NFL entered a new era Saturday night, when Welter became the first woman to coach an NFL game and Sarah Thomas became the first woman to work as a full-time on-field official.

This wasn't exactly new territory for Thomas. The 41-year-old had already worked NFL preseason games and training camp, including this year with a variety of teams.