Red Cashion, 2-time Super Bowl referee, dies at age 87

Mason L. "Red" Cashion Jr., 1931-2019 Red Cashion, perhaps one of the most recognizable NFL referees in the 1980s and '90s and who delighted millions with his enthusiastic "First dowwwwn" call, passed away Sunday at the age of 87, according to a report from The Eagle of Bryan, Texas. Cashion worked 25 seasons

4-time Super Bowl umpire Art Demmas passes away at 82

Former NFL umpire Art Demmas died August 6 in Nashville at the age of 82, according to Mike Organ of The Tennessean. Demmas was originally hired by the American Football League and continued in the NFL beginning in 1970 after the two leagues merged.Born in St. Louis, Demmas earned fame

50 Super Bowl calls, Part 4: XX to XI

The Football Zebras staff -- with the assistance of our affiliated forum, Behind the Football Stripes -- has examined the Super Bowls of years past for the work of the officials who, in a given year, achieve the honor of the best of the best. While every team competes for

50 Super Bowl calls, Part 1: L to XLI

The Football Zebras staff -- with the assistance of our affiliated forum, Behind the Football Stripes -- has examined the Super Bowls of years past for the work of the officials who, in a given year, attain the honor of the best of the best. While every team competes for

Officiating Dept. has late shuffle to fill spot

With 12 vacancies filled in the last few months, how will the NFL approach filling a 13th spot after the resignation of referee Mike Carey?  The NFL could hire another official from college, persuade a recently retired official to come back for one more season, or they could go

Former NFL official Gerald Hart passes away

Gerald E. Hart 1931-2014 Former NFL official Gerald Hart has passed away as reported by Ed Bouchette in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  He was 83. Hart, a native of New York, played football at West Point and Notre Dame.  He took up officiating after his playing career was over and joined the AFL

NFL may have to change the way it appoints referees

Vital proving grounds for white hat candidates no longer exist Commentary by Mark Schultz The NFL could be having a white hat problem in the next few years.  Several referees have put in 20 or more years of service, meaning that their retirement window is starting to open.  There are at least