Tag: NFL

NFL—CFL officiating exchange not happening in 2021

by Mark Schultz - 03612

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

Future clouded for pass interference replay rule

by Mark Schultz - 12616

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

by Mark Schultz - 03831

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

by Mark Schultz - 03763

Banks Boothe Williams, 1932-2019 Banks Williams, an NFL back judge (the position name is now the field judge) from 1978 to 1994 passed away in April at the age of 86. Williams, a Texas native, wore uniform number 99 for most of his career. Wlliams got started in officiating in the 1960s,

Week 13 photo album, 2018

by Mark Schultz - 02944

Courtesy of team photographers and Getty Images, here are NFL officials in action in Week 13. Click on a photo to begin the gallery.   From Getty Images http://gty.im/1077230852 http://gty.im/1068190348 http://gty.im/1077498672 http://gty.im/1067884492

Kickoff touchbacks will be at the 25 for another year

by Mark Schultz - 011109

Embed from Getty Images The NFL is extending a temporary rule this year that moves kickoff touchbacks to the 25. All other touchbacks (punts into and defensive recoveries into the end zone) will come out to the 20. This was an experimental rule for 2016, and the owners voted to extend that

Umpire Butch Hannah retires after 18 seasons

by Mark Schultz - 06141

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

by Mark Schultz - 07876

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