Football Zebras

Week 12 photo album, 2020

by Mark Schultz - December 1, 2020November 30, 2020 1

Enjoy some photos of NFL officials who happened to get in the photographer's shot. Gallery of team photos. Click photo to begin gallery: From Getty Images:

NBC garbles Carl Cheffers penalty announcements to prevent profanity from airing

by Mark Schultz - November 24, 2020November 25, 2020 2

The NFL is doing its best to play a full season during the covid-19 pandemic. One of the ways the league can get games in is to play in near-empty stadiums. While it is a surreal sight, it also presents challenges for TV sound technicians. In 2020, when referees open their mics

Week 11 photo album, 2020

by Mark Schultz - November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 0

With thanks to team photogaphers and our friends at Getty Images, here are photos of NFL officials working games from Week 11. Click on a photo to begin the gallery: From Getty Images:

Fast thinking on muffed kickoff is the Call of the Week

by Mark Schultz - November 22, 2020November 22, 2020 0

Fundamentals are important, and when a play devolves into chaos, it is important to keep clarity and focus. When the Bengals muff the kick in the field of play and the ball is dead in the end zone, line judge Kevin Codey and referee Adrian Hill are on top of

Week 10 photo album, 2020

by Mark Schultz - November 17, 2020November 16, 2020 0

We thank photographers for taking photos this weekend. Courtesy of Getty Images and team photogaphers, here are photos of NFL officials from Week 10. From team photographers (click on a photo to begin the gallery): From Getty Images:

Players now helping officials during hurry-up offense

Mechanics

by Mark Schultz - November 11, 2020November 11, 2020 0

The final, thrilling, frantic seconds of a football game is always stressful. For the officials, the pressure builds. One of their prime responsibilities is to get the ball ready for play and not cause an unfair delay to the offense. Over the years, the officials have developed ball relays down to

Week 9 photo gallery, 2020

by Mark Schultz - November 10, 2020November 9, 2020 0

With thanks to team photographers and Getty Images, here are photos of NFL officials in Week 9. From team photographers (click on a photo to begin the gallery): From Getty Images:

Week 8 photo gallery, 2020

by Mark Schultz - November 2, 2020November 2, 2020 0

We're grateful when NFL officials get in the photographers frame every weekend. From team photographers. Click on a photo to begin the gallery. From Getty Images:

Rookie down judge Mike Dolce with the Week 7 ‘Call of the Week’

by Mark Schultz - October 29, 2020October 29, 2020 0

Rookie officials have made some outstanding calls this season. For Week 7, we highlight down judge Mike Dolce for his great call on the goal line of the 49ers - Patriots game. These new officials are impressive! https://streamable.com/sl8aoq

Former NFL official David Hawk has passed away

Obituary

by Mark Schultz - October 28, 2020October 28, 2020 0

David R. Hawk, 1934 - 2020 Former NFL line judge, head linesman and side judge David Hawk passed away in May. Hawk was a NFL official from 1972-1989, and wore number 66 for most of his career. A native of Texas, Hawk went to Southern Methodist University and was captain of the