Football Zebras

Throwback to 1969 when Jerry Markbreit worked the Ohio State-Michigan Game

by Mark Schultz - November 23, 2021May 18, 2022 12206

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 14315

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 04118

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 02450

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 34840

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 014340

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 16217

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 313666

#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

Officials used to use a gunshot to signal the end to a quarter or half

by Mark Schultz - December 21, 2018August 13, 2019 013640

It seems strange today, but NFL officials used to fire a starter's pistol to end each quarter. It's a mechanic that dated back to the start of pro football up until the NFL discontinued the practice starting in 1994. When the NFL was in its infancy and up through the 1960s,

Father’s Day crews

by Mark Schultz - June 17, 2018June 18, 2018 17714

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,