This is a first (at least for me). Down judge Patrick Turner uses a unique whistle technique when calling a game.
Officiating in the rain can be fun - but be ready to buy a new uniform.
A photo of NFL umpire Terry Killens last week shows a newer style of down indicator.
NFL officials didn't always wear black and white striped shirts. To commemorate the 100th NFL season, Football Zebras takes a look back at how the third...
In 1979, the NFL adopted a radical new way to number its officials. While a good idea on paper, it didn't work.
Why does referee John Parry wear 2 rubber bands on each hand during the game?
It seems strange today, but NFL officials used to fire a starter’s pistol to end each quarter. It’s a mechanic that dated back to the start...
NFL officials are wired up to an array of devices
It takes extremely bad weather for football officials to dress out of uniform.
Don Willard is the clubhouse leader for Referee Announcement of the Year Award.
Embed from Getty Images  If you get the chance, watch umpire Jeff Rice (number 44) work the Monday Night Football game tonight. Rice uses...
Embed from Getty Images  It can be fun and games for the officials, too … at the right time When you officiate, you have to...
 View image | gettyimages.com It’s 3rd-and-5. The quarterback is under center. The crowd is roaring. The quarterback barks hard and someone on the defensive line...
The most controversial piece of cloth in all of sports wasn’t always yellow It won’t get a cake or open house. It won’t get cheered. In...
It is time. Clinic attended, check. Rules test taken, check. Camps visited, check. Preseason games officiated, check. It is time for the 2014 NFL season. Just...
Believe it or not, there is a science to making, throwing penalty flags Last week, back judge Todd Prukop became a mini-celebrity by throwing his penalty...
Starting in 2014, all NFL officiating crews will be will be equipped with a microphone and earpiece that will enable them to communicate with each other...
After wild card weekend, it always strikes me — only seven more meaningful football games this year. Â In an attempt not to get too maudlin, here...
You may have noticed some officials wearing rock-star like microphones and ear pieces during some preseason games. The NFL has confirmed that it is having its...
This season has seen three inadvertent whistles (IW) being blown by the officials, with the latest being this past week in the game between the Raiders...