History

Myth debunked: Referee Ben Dreith actually worked Patriots games after the Sugar Bear Hamilton call

by Mark Schultz - 0431

Football Zebras research can debunk a popular myth. After referee Ben Dreith's controversial roughing the passer in the 1976 playoffs -- a penalty against Patriots defensive tackle Ray "Sugar Bear" Hamilton that kept the Oakland Raiders' game-winning drive alive -- the myth is Dreith never worked another Patriots game the

Throwback to 1969 when Jerry Markbreit worked the Ohio State-Michigan Game

by Mark Schultz - 12356

Michigan and The Ohio State University face yet again this Saturday with playoff and conference championship implications. Let's throw it back to 1969, when future NFL official, Jerry Markbreit, officiated the annual rivalry between the two power houses. Ohio State was unbeaten and ranked number one in the nation. Michigan had

Tony Corrente turns 70, a rare milestone for an active official

by Mark Schultz - 14853

Referee Tony Corrente celebrates his 70th birthday on November 12. In his 27th season, he is in small company of officials who were on the field into their 70s. Down judge Mike Spanier, who retired after the 2019 season, was 70 in his final season. And there aren't likely many

Throwback to 1980: Officials call an illegal hideout foul in the Eagles-Vikings Divisional Playoff

by Mark Schultz - 14520

In 1980, the Philadelphia Eagles played the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Veterans Stadium. With the game in doubt, the Eagles ran a fake punt where punter Max Runager threw a pass to John Sciarra for a first down. On the play, the Vikings were guilty of