Throwback to 1986 – Jerry Markbreit’s only NFL ejection

While many television networks are continuing to re-air feature games with memorable performances, Football Zebras is going behind the stripes to highlight some throwback moments from NFL officials. Let's go back to November of 1986. Jerry Markbreit's crew was assigned a Bears-Packers game at Soldier Field in Chicago. The season before, the

Most officials don’t watch the ball during a play

If you want to watch, buy a ticket. -- back judge Stan Javie to rookie official Jerry Bergman Sr., in 1966.   You might be surprised how little time NFL officials spend watching the ball during a play. When the offense snaps the ball, where do non-officials' eyes go? The camera, announcers and

Sarah Thomas recovering from broken wrist

Embed from Getty Images   Line judge Sarah Thomas is recovering from a broken wrist sustained in a Week 16 collision (video) at Lambeau Field between the Packers and Vikings, Football Zebras sources have confirmed. The Vikings receiver came back on a passing route. The receiver caught the ball and was immediately contacted by the

Jerome Boger leads Hall of Fame game crew

The 97th season league history begins Sunday from the place where the seed was first planted -- Canton, Ohio. Culminating the enshrinement festivities of the 2016 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday will be the Hall of Fame game between the Packers and Colts, beginning at 8

R Bill Leavy retires after 20 seasons

Football Zebras exclusive View image | gettyimages.com Football Zebras has learned from two sources that Bill Leavy, an official in the NFL since 1995, wearing number 127, is stepping aside after 20 years to take the northeastern regional supervisor position for the officiating department, where he will observe other officials and grade

Officials hate to miss cheap shots and unsportsmanlike acts

Fortunately, most flagrant actions do not escape cameras The NFL most recently handed out two punishments for flagrant acts that were not flagged on the field.  Ndamukong Suh was fined $70,000 (initially suspended one game but overturned on appeal, but don't get me started on that) for stepping on Packers quarterback