Football Zebras

Remembering Tommy Bell on his 100th birthday

by Mark Schultz - July 2, 2022July 18, 2022 0706

Embed from Getty Images We pause today to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of NFL referee Tommy Bell. He was born July 2, 1922, and died February 20, 1986, after a long illness. Bell worked in the NFL in 1961 and retired after the 1976 AFC Championship Game. In an

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

History

by Mark Schultz - May 27, 2022May 27, 2022 0821

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 - November 23, 2021May 18, 2022 12625

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

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

History

by Mark Schultz - July 8, 2021May 19, 2022 14837

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

Throwback to the 1992 playoffs: Referee Dale Hamer roughed up and gained respect from John Madden

History

by Mark Schultz - April 7, 2021April 7, 2021 04549

It is always good to get a playoff assignment, and after the 1992 season, referee Dale Hamer was assigned to the Philadelphia Eagles - New Orleans Saints wild card game in New Orleans. Officials want to get in and get out without any recognition, but when John Madden is giving praise

New Year’s Eve throwback: Future NFL officials working college bowl games

by Mark Schultz - December 31, 2020December 31, 2020 02640

Our bowl season is rationed this year due to covid-19, instead of the usual glut. But, over the years, we have found footage of future NFL officials working college bowl games, prior to working in the pros. To gear you up for a great college and pro football holiday weekend, here are

Throwback to officials and coaches mic’d up

History

by Mark Schultz - April 30, 2020 35207

Some of the most popular NFL Films videos are when coaches, players or officials are mic'd up for game action. Dan Volsky from YouTube put together a great clip. How many NFL officials can you name? Tell us the names in the comments below! https://streamable.com/0oald

NFL100: 90-year-old rules made for a different game

by Mark Schultz - October 4, 2019 015357

People who saw a NFL game 90-years ago would almost not recognize the game played today. Back in the 1930s, the pro game had some rules that are mind-boggling. In the early years of the NFL, if a player fell or was knocked down, he could still crawl or get up

NFL100: The expansion of officiating crews followed the evolution of the game

by Mark Schultz - September 19, 2019September 19, 2019 16651

http://gty.im/515014724 When the NFL was born, only three officials called the game. Now there are seven --nine if you include the replay official and replay assistant -- with calls to add another pair of eyes at field level. As a part of the NFL's 100th season, Football Zebras takes a look at

NFL100: Before they were zebras, they were … candy canes?

by Mark Schultz - September 11, 2019 314558

#NFL100: A Football Zebras feature series NFL officials didn't always wear black and white striped shirts. To commemorate the 100th NFL season, Football Zebras takes a look back at how the third team dressed for a game.Â No stripes to be found (1920-40) At the league's founding, the NFL required its officials to