New TV program gives outstanding information about NFL officials

The Evolution of NFL Officiating is must-see

This past week, an absolute gem fell out of the virtual sky as the NFL Throwback YouTube channel posted a one-hour documentary about NFL officiating. It is must-see TV.

The program features former Senior Vice President of Officiating, Walt Anderson. He breaks down officiating in all its aspects – history, mechanics, behind-the-scenes, conditioning, rules, and the future of officiating.

There are several current NFL officials featured – either mic’d for sound during the game or interviewed for the program. Referee Shawn Hochuli and umpire Terry Killens talk on the broadcast about officiating, how they prepare for a game, how they study the rules, how they communicate during the game and how they evaluate their performance after the game. Hochuli also shows his different equipment he wears on his belt. He almost needs a carpenters’ belt.

The viewer also gets an extensive look inside the Art McNally Gameday Central where each game is monitored and centralized replay is standing by to assist on a call.

As the program wound down, Anderson and others turned to the future of NFL officiating. While there may be computer chips in the ball, and AI might help officials make the calls, no one felt a NFL game was going to be totally officiated in a computer lab any time soon.

Be sure to carve out some time to watch this program on YouTube! Sorry about the Gray Box of Death. Just click “watch on YouTube” and enjoy!