Thai Floyd Becomes First Woman Play-by-Play Announcer at Alabama A&M
Alabama A&M University has made a historic move. The school named Thai Floyd as its first full-time play-by-play announcer for football. This milestone makes Floyd the first woman to hold this role for an HBCU football team.
Floyd will call every Bulldogs game during the 2025 season. Her appointment was confirmed by HBCU GameDay. Alabama A&M, based in Huntsville, Alabama, competes in the SWAC conference.
Floyd Brings Years of Sports Broadcasting Experience
Before this role, Floyd worked as a digital media specialist for Alabama A&M athletics. She also gained experience covering major sports events. Floyd has worked as a sideline reporter and play-by-play commentator for ESPN+ and ESPNU.
Her resume includes FBS bowl games and the Celebration Bowl. She has also been featured on NBC Sports Philadelphia, HBCU Legends on Sports Illustrated, and ESPN’s Andscape. Floyd’s deep experience shows she is ready for the big stage.
A Career Inspired by Family and Passion for the Game
Floyd’s passion for broadcasting comes from her father, William Floyd. He is a former NFL player who won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers before moving into broadcasting.
“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. I’d love to call college football on TV one day — that’s definitely the goal. Just staying focused, learning, and trusting the process.”
Breaking Ground in a Male-Dominated Field
Women remain underrepresented in sports broadcasting. Research shows that only about nine percent of play-by-play announcers are women. Beth Mowins was the first woman to call a nationally televised NFL game. Tiffany Greene was the first African American woman to call college football on a major network.
Floyd wants her achievement to inspire others. “Having a seat at the table means making space for every Black woman who’s ever been overlooked or told she didn’t belong in this industry,” she said. “I’m blessed to be walking in purpose and hoping my journey reminds the next Black woman that we’re not here to fit in — we’re here to take up space and change the game.”
Looking Ahead to an Impactful Season
Floyd admires women who paved the way before her, especially Tiffany Greene. “She’s poured into me, inspired me, and paved the way,” Floyd shared. “Now, I just hope to continue the work she started and be that same light for someone else.”
With the 2025 season approaching, Floyd’s appointment signals change in college sports. It’s a step toward greater diversity and inclusion in sports media.
