Tag: Jeff Rice

Officially, beards are in this season

by Mark Schultz - 3

  Have you noticed something different with NFL officials this year? This year, NFL officials have been sporting facial hair and down judge Sarah Thomas is wearing her hair in a ponytail, out the back of an adjustable official's hat. (Up until this season, she wore her hair pinned up under

Today’s Pro Bowl the swan song for two NFL officials

by Mark Schultz - 2

Two officials will end their career at today's Pro Bowl in Orlando. While Pro Bowl retirement games meant more when played in Hawaii, it will still be a special moment in Orlando this evening as umpire Jeff Rice and down judge Mike Spanier will work their final game. Mike Spanier Mike Spanier

3 observations from the Hall of Fame Game

by Mark Schultz - 0

Embed from Getty Images It is hard to watch a preseason game from start to finish, but the Hall of Fame Game is a chance to welcome the NFL back after a six month hiatus. After a turbulent off-season that saw many rule changes and other officiating challenges, here are three

Father’s Day crews

by Mark Schultz - 1

  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,

NFL tells teams to stop abusing officials

by Mark Schultz - 4

Embed from Getty Images The NFL, in an attempt to protect its officials, sent a memo to all teams on Monday warning of "significant" punishment if players and coaches continue to physically and verbally abuse officials. According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations, wrote, "In

An expert working the finger whistle tonight

by Mark Schultz - 7

Embed from Getty Images     If you get the chance, watch umpire Jeff Rice (number 44) work the Monday Night Football game tonight. Rice uses a finger whistle and he is a maestro using the piece of equipment. Officials working with a finger whistle have to blow their whistle and then signal. Fellow

Super Bowl 50 photo album

by Mark Schultz - 0

Officiating photos from Super Bowl 50 courtesy of team photographers and Getty Images.From team photographers (click on any image to view as a slideshow):From Getty Images:Clete Blakeman and field judge Boris Cheek talk to Peyton Manning before the game.Embed from Getty Images Jeff Rice escorts Denver captains onto the field for

5 officiating observations from Super Bowl 50

by Mark Schultz - 72

Embed from Getty Images   No iconic calls, but Blakeman's crew handles business The game wasn't a classic, but it was more competitive than the 24-10 score. While none of the calls from Super Bowl 50 will make our list of best all-time calls, the officiating crew can be satisfied with their efforts. Here

Offense not allowed to quick-sub and quick-snap

by Mark Schultz - 6

#458307246 / gettyimages.com Rules allow defense to bring in late subs There was an interesting play in Week 9 that highlighted quick snap rules.  In the Broncos-Patriots game, Tom Brady and company rushed the field on a fourth-and-one situation as the punt team sprinted off (video).  The goal was to catch the

Wild Card quick calls: Chiefs at Colts

by Football Zebras staff - 2

AFC Wild Card PlayoffFollow us here for rolling coverage of the calls and rules interpretations of the Chiefs-Colts Wild Card Playoff game from LucasOil Stadium in Indianapolis. (If you see continue reading below, click it to see the entire feed.)If you have any questions or comments, use the comments section