When the bean bag does more than mark change of possession

Down judge Dana McKenzie made good use of his bean bag in the Week 1 Monday Night Football game. Fans normally see officials drop the bean bag to indicate a fumble, interception or another change of possession. McKenzie used the bag for a more rare purpose (at least at the NFL level). A

Father’s Day crews

  One of the fun parts of being a dad is when a child wants to join the dad in an activity or hobby, or just wants to spend time together. I'm sure NFL officials are happy when their kids want to take up officiating. That happiness and pride, I'm sure,

6 NFL officiating things to watch for in 2013

Commentary by Mark Schultz Here are the things I am pondering as I "zebra watch" this year. 1.  Will some high-profile officials make a playoff comeback?  Gene Steratore, Ed Hochuli, John Parry, Tom Stabile,  John McGrath, Rob Vernatchi, and Walt Anderson missed out on an on-field playoff assignment in 2012.  Will they

All in the family: NFL referee style

Sunday night was Hochuli ×2 ('Gun and Pistol' night?) Earlier this week, NFL back judge Steve Freeman officiated a game with his son, Brad.  Also this week, Ed Hochuli got to officiate a preseason game with his son, Shawn.  Both Brad Freeman and Shawn Hochuli are part of the developmental program

HL McKenzie moved off Redskins game

Head linesman Dana McKenzie won't have to worry about Redskins safety DeAngelo Hall this weekend. To avoid a potential issue, the league has moved his assignment some 35 miles up the road. CSN Washington reporters Rich Tandler and Tarik El-Bashir are saying that McKenzie is not working the Redskins home playoff