The Internet Has a Mixed Response to the NFL Hiring Its First Full-Time Female Ref

But really, who cares about the naysayers, anyway?

If you’ve been anywhere near a computer in the past 24 hours, you’ve probably heard the awesome news: The NFL has hired Sarah Thomas to officiate on a full-time basis, making her the first women ever to hold that position.

The mother of three, who's also a pharmaceutical rep, has been refereeing since 1996 and has most recently officiated preseason games as a line judge as part of the league’s referee-training program. She also seems really, really cool, sharing this advice for other people who want to break new ground (via Good Morning America): "Don’t go out to try to prove somebody wrong. Go and do things, whether you’re female or male, black or white. Just do it because you believe in yourself and you know you’re there to do the job."

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Of course, when the news broke that someone without a penis would be officiating actual NFL games, the Internet freaked out.

Here are a few of our favorite funny, sweet, sarcastic, and supportive reactions:

Naturally, there were the typical chauvinistic responses that happen every time something awesome happens to a woman:

…but the responses to haters was epic:

Thomas will be taking the field in early September. Worth noting: The NBA currently has hired three full-time female officials. Your move, NHL and MLB.

Screenshots from facebook.com