Tag: umpire

NFL Referees Association honors 5-time Super Bowl umpire Ron Botchan

by Mark Schultz - 0

The NFL Referees Association (NFLRA), the union representing NFL officials, recently honored retired umpire Ron Botchan with the 2019 Honoree Award. The award recognizes an official for on-field accomplishments and support of the NFLRA. “Ron exemplifies everything NFL officials strive to be,” said NFLRA Executive Director Scott Green in a news

3 observations from the Hall of Fame Game

by Mark Schultz - 0

Embed from Getty Images It is hard to watch a preseason game from start to finish, but the Hall of Fame Game is a chance to welcome the NFL back after a six month hiatus. After a turbulent off-season that saw many rule changes and other officiating challenges, here are three

Former NFL umpire Rex Stuart passes away

by Mark Schultz - 0

Embed from Getty Images  Rex Stuart, 1941 - 2018 John Rex Stuart, a retired NFL umpire and replay official, died on March 6, at the age of 76. The Lincolnton, N.C. native officiated in the NFL from 1984 to 1997 and wore number 103 his entire career. Stuart played college football at Appalachian

50 Super Bowl calls, Part 4: XX to XI

by Football Zebras staff - 6

The Football Zebras staff -- with the assistance of our affiliated forum, Behind the Football Stripes -- has examined the Super Bowls of years past for the work of the officials who, in a given year, achieve the honor of the best of the best. While every team competes for

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Offense not allowed to quick-sub and quick-snap

by Mark Schultz - 6

#458307246 / gettyimages.com Rules allow defense to bring in late subs There was an interesting play in Week 9 that highlighted quick snap rules.  In the Broncos-Patriots game, Tom Brady and company rushed the field on a fourth-and-one situation as the punt team sprinted off (video).  The goal was to catch the

Brad Allen named crew chief in 1st NFL season

by Mark Schultz - 9

First rookie-season R since 1966 On the heels of the surprise announcement that Mike Carey is retiring from the NFL, Football Zebras can confirm that rookie official Brad Allen will call his first NFL season at the referee position.  To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time a

Umpire position incubator for future NFL crew chiefs?

by Mark Schultz - 5

[Update: Brad Allen was moved to referee without having worked at the umpire position to fill a vacancy caused by referee Mike Carey's departure. The post as it originally appeared is below.] We know the NFL officiating roster for 2014.  The names have been announced, but one position assignment caught my