Let them talk! We need detailed referee announcements

Over the years, we've chronicled the evolution of the referee microphone, from it's humble beginnings to it being used as a valuable teaching and explaining tool. While some people might have snickered or rolled their eyes at long-winded announcements, they could not deny they knew what happened and why the officials

5 officiating things I’m watching in 2021

The time for talking is over. The 2021 NFL regular season is here! As the NFL begins its 102nd season, here is what I'm watching as the game officials take the field and make sure the game stays fair. 1. Only one rookie this season Six officials retired this season, but only

NFL announces closer officiating ties with select college conferences

The NFL announced Thursday that it is forming a closer officiating relationship with select college conferences to improve "the officiating pipeline." The goal is to share NFL mechanics, technology and resources with college partners, expand recruiting opportunities, provide more opportunities for women and minorities and strengthen officials' training. The Big Ten, Conference

Walt Anderson promoted to NFL front office, leaves field after 24 seasons

Walt Anderson, a two-time Super Bowl official and 24-year veteran, will leave the field to become an NFL senior vice president, according to Mike Sando of The Athletic. https://twitter.com/SandoNFL/status/1222562303935164422 Anderson will oversee officiating training and development. This position was negotiated as part of the new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and

Back judge Steve Freeman leaves Week 3 game in Atlanta

Back judge Steve Freeman was hurt in Week 3 during the Saints-Falcons game in Atlanta. Freeman is normally on Alex Kemp's crew, but for this week he worked with Walt Anderson's crew in Atlanta and Anderson's normal back judge, Lee Dyer, worked on Kemp's crew. Freeman was hurt on a deep

NFL takes a hit after four referee retirements

Embed from Getty Images Every generation of NFL officiating gives way to the next. This past offseason, we saw, very quickly and dramatically, one generation give way to the next. Referees Ed Hochuli, Gene Steratore, Terry McAulay and Jeff Triplette represent 88-years of experience at the referee position. That is 88-years

Three ejected after major fight in Oakland

The Oakland Raiders Michael Crabtree and Gabe Jackson, along with the Denver Broncos Aqib Talib were ejected by referee Walt Anderson's crew after a major fight (video). It started when Talib and Crabtree took their downfield blocking well out of bounds. As side judge Laird Hayes threw his flag and waded