Football Zebras

4 officiating observations from Conference Championship Weekend

by Mark Schultz - January 20, 2020January 20, 2020 0

The crowds were excited and loud, but it was a pretty quiet weekend on the officiating front for Conference Championship weekend, thankfully. But there are always things to observe and learn from the officials. Here are a few things I saw. Even though the game is decided, it isn't over John Hussey's crew

5 observations from Super Bowl LIII

by Mark Schultz - February 4, 2019February 4, 2019 1

The Super Bowl is over, and thankfully we aren't breaking down any officiating controversies today. But there are some interesting officiating nuggets to note. 1. No replays Replay official Jim Lapetina was busy yesterday, but he never had to buzz in with a booth challenge. There were a few plays where I was

Photo Gallery: Let’s meet the Super Bowl LIII crew

by Mark Schultz - February 1, 2019January 31, 2019 0

Let's meet the Super Bowl LIII crew in photos, courtesy of team photographers and Getty Images. Click on a photo to begin the gallery. http://gty.im/1074739122 http://gty.im/154744813 http://gty.im/596902146 http://gty.im/579780846 http://gty.im/92807442 http://gty.im/456811498 http://gty.im/184407308

Mechanics or communication? Something broke on the MNF blocked field goal

Week 14

by Mark Schultz - December 11, 2018 4

Week 14: Vikings at Seahawks Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner blocked a Minnesota Vikings field goal in the second half of their game Monday night, with the game still in the balance. That play swung momentum to the Seahawks, and they never relinquished it. Problem is, Wagner fouled on the play and

Football officials in danger every time debris flies

by Mark Schultz - December 13, 2015December 12, 2015 2

A photo this past week from the Dallas Morning News (cover photo) illustrates the dangers of being an official. In Washington, a fan threw a full drink can on the field and it barely missed field judge Eugene Hall.There have been many stories and accounts of fans throwing debris on

NFL announces 2014 officials

News

by Mark Schultz - May 22, 2014July 16, 2014 9

This post has been updated to reflect changes in the 2014 officiating staff after the initial announcement. The NFL has announced its 2014 roster of officials (full list below after the jump). The roster features 12 new hires. Earlier we reported that 11 officials were not going to return to the

NFL winds down advanced training program as college season opens

by Ben Austro - August 28, 2013December 31, 2019 1

As Labor Day weekend approaches, the developmental officials that comprised the NFL's "taxi squad" are headed back to their college conferences for the start of the college football season. It is officially known as the advanced training program, the NFL initiative that brought 21 officials from the major college conferences to