In a move most likely attributed to the closed border between the United States and Canada, the NFL–CFL officiating exchange will not happen in 2021. Instituted in 2016, the NFL–CFL Officiating Development Program gives NFL and CFL officials more experience. Over the years, several NFL officials worked CFL games in late
Tag: NFL
College football referee Mike Defee takes position in NFL front office
Big 12 referee Mike Defee, who has officiated every major bowl game, and who gained fame during the 2017 College Football National Championship game, is retiring from active officiating to take a position in the NFL front office. Defee's new job is to coach current NFL officials, specifically focusing on the
Future clouded for pass interference replay rule
Don't expect the pass interference (PI) replay rule to survive as is for the 2020 season. And, it remains unclear if any sort of PI replay will be on the books this fall. ESPN reports that members of the NFL Competition Committee "remain skeptical" about the one-year experimental rule. Last year, aggrieved
NFL, officials reach a tentative labor agreement
No replacements. No Fail Mary. No angst. According to Pro Football Talk NFL and the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) have reportedly reached a tentative labor argeement, or "agreement in principle" that will guarantee that the regular officials will continue to call the games. We don't yet know the details or length
Banks Williams, Super Bowl XXV official, has passed away
Week 13 photo album, 2018
FJ Fritz Graf, veteran of 4 Super Bowls and Ice Bowl, passes away at 94
Kickoff touchbacks will be at the 25 for another year
Umpire Butch Hannah retires after 18 seasons
Embed from Getty Images In a late offseason move, umpire Butch Hannah retired from the NFL according to multiple sources. Football Zebras does not know the reason Hannah left the league, but it has been indicated he initiated the move. His last game was the Raiders-Texans Wild Card Playoff game in January. Much like
The science of building good NFL crews
Embed from Getty Images As NFL officials prepare for their mini-clinic in May, the NFL officiating office is building 17 officiating crews. Exiting senior vice president for officiating Dean Blandino will oversee the rest of the offseason (which ends May 15 for officials), so he has a say in the crew