Throwback to 1986 – Jerry Markbreit’s only NFL ejection

While many television networks are continuing to re-air feature games with memorable performances, Football Zebras is going behind the stripes to highlight some throwback moments from NFL officials. Let's go back to November of 1986. Jerry Markbreit's crew was assigned a Bears-Packers game at Soldier Field in Chicago. The season before, the

Most officials don’t watch the ball during a play

If you want to watch, buy a ticket. -- back judge Stan Javie to rookie official Jerry Bergman Sr., in 1966.   You might be surprised how little time NFL officials spend watching the ball during a play. When the offense snaps the ball, where do non-officials' eyes go? The camera, announcers and

Happy birthday Jerry Markbreit

View image | gettyimages.com Most famous referee of the 1980s and 1990s turns 80 years old Before there was Ed Hochuli, there was Jerry Markbreit.  The former NFL referee from 1976 to 1998 turned 80 years old today. Markbreit got his start officiating while a college student at the University of Illinois.  He