Historic Hire at Alabama A&M
Alabama A&M University just made history by naming Thai Floyd as its first-ever female lead football announcer. This groundbreaking move marks the first time a woman will serve as the full-time play-by-play voice for an HBCU football team.
Floyd, a seasoned broadcaster, will call every Alabama A&M Bulldogs game during the 2025 season. The university, part of the SWAC conference, proudly announced her role, celebrating a major step forward for diversity in sports media.
A Trailblazing Career in Sports Broadcasting
Floyd is no stranger to the mic. Before this historic role, she worked as a digital media specialist for Alabama A&M athletics. She’s also a Florida A&M alumna with years of experience covering high school, college, and professional sports.
Her resume includes sideline reporting and play-by-play commentary for ESPN+ and ESPNU. She’s called major events like FBS bowl games and the Celebration Bowl. Floyd has also appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia, Sports Illustrated’s HBCU Legends, and ESPN’s Andscape.
Following in Her Father’s Footsteps
Broadcasting runs in Floyd’s blood. Her father, William Floyd, won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers before transitioning into sports media. His career inspired her to pursue the same path.
“I grew up watching my dad work as a broadcaster after he retired from the NFL,” Floyd told Athlon Sports. “I’ve been around the game and the business my whole life.” She dreams of calling college football on national TV, calling it her ultimate career goal.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field
Women make up only about 9% of play-by-play announcers in sports. Floyd joins pioneers like Beth Mowins (first woman to call an NFL game on national TV) and Tiffany Greene (first Black woman to call college football on a major network).
Floyd hopes her success opens doors for others. “Having a seat at the table means making space for every Black woman who’s ever been overlooked,” she said. “We’re not here to fit in—we’re here to take up space and change the game.”
Paving the Way for Future Generations
Floyd credits Tiffany Greene as one of her biggest inspirations. Greene, a trailblazer herself, mentored Floyd and helped shape her career.
“She’s poured into me, inspired me, and paved the way,” Floyd said. “Now, I hope to continue the work she started and be that same light for someone else.” With this historic role, Floyd is already lighting the path for the next generation of women in sports broadcasting.
