2019 Pro Bowl
Walt Coleman and Pete Morelli will join forces in the 2019 Pro Bowl
Walt Coleman and Pete Morelli will be co-referees for the 2019 NFL Pro Bowl.
Walt Coleman and Pete Morelli, both retiring at the end of this season, will be co-referees for this year’s Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
| Yrs | 2018 crew | College | Occupation | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 65 | Walt Coleman | 30 | Arkansas | dairy processor manager | |
| R | 135 | Pete Morelli | 22 | St. Mary’s | retired high school principal* | |
| U | 44 | Jeff Rice | 24 | Coleman | Northwestern | attorney |
| DJ | 22 | Steve Stelljes | 17 | Morelli | Friends | business planning manager |
| LJ | 98 | Greg Bradley | 10 | Hochuli | Tennessee | chemical engineer |
| FJ | 21 | Jeff Lamberth | 17 | Wrolstad | Texas A&M | attorney |
| SJ | 72 | Michael Banks | 17 | Parry | Illinois State | carpenter foreman |
| BJ | 27 | Lee Dyer | 16 | Anderson | Tennessee-Chattanooga | sales manager |
| ALT | 80 | Greg Gautreaux (FJ) | 17 | Coleman | SW Louisiana | athletic programs manager |
- Replay official: Larry Nemmers
- Replay assistant: Kevin Stine
- Supervisor: Rob Vernatchi
*indicates full-time official. retiring officials.
It is likely that Coleman will officiate at the referee position for one half of the game, and Morelli will work the other. However, this is not confirmed. Coleman and Morelli had alternate assignments in the Divisional Playoffs.
The game observers, in this case senior vice-president of officiating Al Riveron, vice president of replay and administration Russell Yurk, and an unnamed assistant coach, will monitor the formations and the coverages for unsportsmanlike conduct. In the Pro Bowl, there are only simple formations and coverage packages allowed.
The officials assigned to a Pro Bowl are generally the most senior member in their position who are not working a playoff game and who also have not worked a Pro Bowl. The league and the union have made exceptions to the seniority rule for certain commemorations, such as a retirement. Along with Coleman and Morelli, down judge Steve Stelljes and replay official Larry Nemmers will also be retiring following the game.
And — the quote still rings true — yes, there are penalties in the Pro Bowl.
