I remember several post-season classic games and the officiating that goes with such games. It is hard after a year or two for me to remember a classic regular-season game where the officiating actually enhanced the quality of the contest. But, there is one regular-season game that I remember almost 26-years
Tag: Jerry Markbreit
Throwback to 1986 – Jerry Markbreit’s only NFL ejection
While many television networks are continuing to re-air feature games with memorable performances, Football Zebras is going behind the stripes to highlight some throwback moments from NFL officials. Let's go back to November of 1986. Jerry Markbreit's crew was assigned a Bears-Packers game at Soldier Field in Chicago. The season before, the
NFL100: A century of determining who gets the ball first
NFL100: In 1979, the NFL renumbered its officials. After 3 years, they scrapped the failed plan
NFL takes a hit after four referee retirements
Embed from Getty Images Every generation of NFL officiating gives way to the next. This past offseason, we saw, very quickly and dramatically, one generation give way to the next. Referees Ed Hochuli, Gene Steratore, Terry McAulay and Jeff Triplette represent 88-years of experience at the referee position. That is 88-years
NCAA referee with the announcement of the year
Big 10 referee and Officiating Development Program official Don Willard made a mistake Saturday. He faced the wrong way when announcing a foul. It can happen. It has happened to the best, many times. But, the way he handled himself with a live microphone places him into nomination for referee announcement of
Should NFL officials be allowed to make commercials?
Commentary by Mark Schultz This past season, line judge Sarah Thomas, the first permanent female official in the NFL, was a spokesperson for Activia yogurt. The commercials told the inspiring story of her journey to the NFL and how she broke the glass ceiling for women to officiate in the pros. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLcrFzI0vlw Thomas
Making the impossible call
Umpire Chad Brown has died at age 69
Embed from Getty Images Chadwick Brown 1947-2016 Football Zebras has learned that former umpire Chad Brown died Friday morning after battling a long illness. The 23-year veteran wore number 31, and was assigned to Super Bowl XXXV and XLV. Our sources say he died on his 69th birthday. Brown retired in the middle
