Tag: new referees

5 officiating things to watch for in the 100th NFL season

by Mark Schultz - 3

It is here. 100 years in the making, the NFL kicks off his centennial season this week. Here are five officiating things I'm watching for as the season begins. 1. Expanded instant replay for pass interference This could get ugly. New this year, coaches can challenge to see if the opponents committed defensive

John Parry, Super Bowl LIII referee, retires

by Mark Schultz - 2

Second straight year for Super Bowl referee to retire John Parry, a three-time Super Bowl official and referee for Super Bowl LIII, has retired. Update: Parry has joined ESPN as the Monday Night Football rules analyst. https://www.footballzebras.com/2019/04/john-parry-to-become-new-espn-rules-analyst/ This marks seven referee retirements in the last two seasons. Walt Coleman and Pete Morelli retired

LJ John Hussey moves to the referee position

by Mark Schultz - 10

View image | gettyimages.com Football Zebras exclusive The NFL has promoted veteran line judge John Hussey (number 35) to be a referee beginning in the 2015 season.  He joined the NFL in 2002 and has been a line judge his entire NFL career, most recently on Ed Hochuli's crew.  Hussey was assigned

NFL preparing to hire new officials

by Mark Schultz - 15

View image | gettyimages.com Commentary by Mark Schultz We are coming up on a critical few weeks in the NFL as vice president for officiating, Dean Blandino, will be hiring new officials, assigning positions, and beginning the orientation process for the new pro zebras. While 2014 saw a near-record number of retirements

NFL got it right with three new referee hires

by Mark Schultz - 3

Allen, Torbert, and Wrolstad impress in first few weeks This is the first time since the early 1990s that the NFL assigned three new referees in one season.  Brad Allen, Ron Torbert and Craig Wrolstad are working their first season as a NFL white hat.  Earlier, I wrote about my