“Women Should Stay in the Kitchen” – Juszczyk Crosses the Line
According to multiple sources present at the practice — including journalists, team insiders, and sideline crew — Juszczyk was visibly upset after Sarah Thomas flagged him for excessive contact during a blocking drill. While storming back to the sideline, he allegedly muttered:
“Women should stay in the kitchen.”
Although the comment wasn’t picked up by official mics, fans nearby and several reporters posted real-time tweets that quickly went viral. Within minutes, “Kyle Juszczyk” was trending nationally — not for a highlight play, but for an outdated and offensive remark that shocked even longtime NFL followers.
The backlash was swift. Fans flooded social media with #RespectWomenInSports and #JuszczykOut. Prominent NFL figures weighed in, including former linebacker and TV host Emmanuel Acho, who posted:
“We celebrate progress in this league. Then someone says something like that. Disgraceful.”
Sarah Thomas Responds With 5 Words That Shut It All Down
But it wasn’t just the internet that clapped back — Sarah Thomas herself delivered a response that instantly became iconic.
Known for breaking barriers as the NFL’s first full-time female official, Thomas stood her ground. Eyewitnesses say she calmly walked past Juszczyk and delivered a devastatingly sharp reply:
“I make calls, not sandwiches.”
Those five words, delivered without hesitation, drew stunned silence — and then an eruption of applause from nearby players and staff. A practice video later confirmed the moment, and lip-readers quickly verified her words.
Within hours, the clip hit over 15 million views across platforms. TikTok creators turned it into a viral sound, and “I make calls, not sandwiches” became the sports quote of the week.
Juszczyk Apologizes — “I Was Completely Out of Line”
The fallout was fast and intense. Less than 12 hours after the incident went viral, Juszczyk took to Instagram and X to issue a public apology:
“What I said was wrong, disrespectful, and unacceptable — not just to Sarah Thomas, but to every woman working in sports. I let my emotions take over, but that’s no excuse. I deeply apologize.”
Sources close to the 49ers say Juszczyk personally called Thomas to apologize. While no suspension has been announced, the NFL confirmed it is reviewing the situation and emphasized its commitment to an inclusive and respectful professional environment.
Fans, Players, and Activists React
Public opinion remains split. While some accept Juszczyk’s apology and call for forgiveness, others believe a simple apology isn’t enough. Female sports officials, athletes, and fans across the country are using the moment to demand stronger action and cultural change within male-dominated leagues.
A Change.org petition titled “Support Women Officials – Hold Juszczyk Accountable” has already gathered over 120,000 signatures within 24 hours. Meanwhile, Sarah Thomas has remained professional and quiet, choosing not to speak further about the matter — but her five-word comeback has already cemented her status as a role model and cultural icon.
A Larger Conversation Ignited
This isn’t just a headline-grabbing moment — it’s a cultural flashpoint. Sarah Thomas’s powerful, poised response has sparked new debates on gender equality, respect, and how the NFL deals with internal misconduct.
Across the league and beyond, conversations are happening in locker rooms, boardrooms, and classrooms about how words matter — especially when they come from veteran players in leadership roles.
As one sportswriter put it:
“Kyle Juszczyk may have scored touchdowns, but Sarah Thomas just scored a generational moment of dignity and power.”