Happy birthday, Bob McElwee

https://gty.im/714140 Congratulations to Bob McElwee on his 85th birthday today! McElwee was a NFL line judge and referee from the 1976-2002 seasons. McElwee wore number 95 for most of his career. He was a line judge from 1976-79 learning under referees Jim Tunney and Ben Dreith. The NFL expanded crews in

50 Super Bowl calls, Part 1: L to XLI

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, attain the honor of the best of the best. While every team competes for

4 historic facts related to this year’s Super Bowl crew

I enjoy historic aspects of NFL officiating and as we get ready to zebra watch in Super Bowl XLVIII here are some interesting nuggets regarding officiating in the Super Bowl. Field judge Scott Steenson sets the record for most years between return trips.  Steenson worked Super Bowl XXXI, and makes his

Al Jury presented with Art McNally Award

Former field judge Al Jury is being honored by the NFL with the Art McNally Award for his distinguished officiating career. He will be formally presented with the award by the outgoing executive vice president of football operations, Ray Anderson, in a ceremony prior to the Pro Bowl in Honolulu. Jury

Crews need to work together, get it right

  Football is one of the most team-oriented games in the world.  It is a joy to watch a team function on the field as a well-oiled machine as they work to win the game.  The seven-person third team on the field must also function as a well-oiled machine to give