View image | gettyimages.com Too many new(er) officials can make for a rocky season The 1990s were a time of upheaval for NFL officiating. Art McNally retired after a long career as the NFL officiating boss. Jerry Seeman succeeded McNally. Seeman was ready build on McNally’s work and that work included making an imprint…
Commentary by Mark Schultz The NFL season has gotten off to a contentious start between the front office and the NFL Referees Association, the union representing the on-field and replay officials. The NFLRA has accused the league of throwing the game officials under the bus publicly while supporting their calls privately. This controversy has even…
No. 70 will never be worn again by an official The NFL made history this weekend at its officiating clinic in Dallas, as it announced that it will retire the number 70 jersey in honor of former NFL referee and supervisor of officials, Jerry Seeman. Seeman worked Super Bowls XXIII and XXV as a referee,…
Brad Allen is the first official in almost 50 years to be placed in the referee position in his first NFL season.
Vital proving grounds for white hat candidates no longer exist Commentary by Mark Schultz The NFL could be having a white hat problem in the next few years. Several referees have put in 20 or more years of service, meaning that their retirement window is starting to open. There are at least four referees now…
Football Zebras has learned that two officials in today’s game will end their careers on football’s greatest stage. Field judge Scott Steenson and side judge Dave Wyant, both in their 23rd NFL season, intend to retire at the end of the 2013 season, according to two sources with knowledge of their plans. Steenson is working…
Amy Seeman collected a group of tweets, stories, and articles on Storify. With her permission, we share her curated work here.
Week 14: Dolphins at Steelers (video) An incredible ending to the game, as a multiple-lateral play could have given the Steelers a game-winning touchdown. Field judge Scott Edwards called the play dead, with Steelers receiver Antonio Brown stepping out of bounds. Edwards could have let the play run out, and let replay sort it out.…
Former HL, LJ, R worked two Super Bowls Jerry Seeman 1936-2013 Former referee and officiating supervisor, Jerry Seeman, died Sunday night, a half hour before his son, NFL line judge Jeff Seeman, (#45) worked the Broncos-Patriots Sunday Night Football game. Jeff Seeman was informed of his father’s death after the ball game. According to the Pioneer…
Click the image to enlarge. It is time to kick off the new football season! Here are some numbers for all of the zebra watchers out there. Enjoy! Designed and researched by Ben Austro. Sources: NFL Record and Fact Book (2013, 2008, 2000); Pro-Football-Reference.com (Coleman, Freeman, McKinnely); Football Zebras, “Officiating crews for the 2013 season“;…