As the NFL continues to grow in popularity, referees play a crucial role in ensuring that the game is played fairly and according to the rules. Here are the 10 best NFL referees in 2023, based on their performance in recent years.
- Walt Anderson – Known for his attention to detail and ability to communicate with players and coaches, Anderson has been a top-performing referee for over two decades. He has refereed numerous playoff games and Super Bowls and is widely respected by players and coaches alike.
- John Hussey – A former college football player and head coach, Hussey brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role as an NFL referee. He is known for his consistent and fair officiating, and has earned praise from players and coaches for his communication skills on the field.
- Clete Blakeman – With a background in law and experience as an NCAA Division I quarterback, Blakeman brings a unique perspective to his role as a referee. He is known for his clear communication and ability to maintain control of the game, and has earned the respect of players and coaches for his fair and consistent officiating.
- Tony Corrente – A former high school football coach and athletic director, Corrente has been a top-performing NFL referee for over two decades. He is known for his attention to detail and ability to make quick, accurate calls on the field, and has earned the respect of players and coaches for his fairness and consistency.
- Brad Allen – With a background in finance and experience as a college football quarterback, Allen brings a unique skill set to his role as an NFL referee. He is known for his calm and composed demeanor on the field, as well as his ability to communicate effectively with players and coaches.
- Jerome Boger – A former college football player and coach, Boger has been an NFL referee for over a decade. He is known for his strong leadership skills and ability to maintain control of the game, and has earned praise from players and coaches for his clear and consistent officiating.
- Bill Vinovich – A former college football player and high school teacher, Vinovich has been a top-performing NFL referee for over a decade. He is known for his attention to detail and ability to make quick, accurate calls on the field, and has earned the respect of players and coaches for his fairness and consistency.
- Ron Torbert – With a background in accounting and experience as a college football player, Torbert brings a unique skill set to his role as an NFL referee. He is known for his calm and composed demeanor on the field, as well as his ability to communicate effectively with players and coaches.
- Shawn Hochuli – The son of longtime NFL referee Ed Hochuli, Shawn has followed in his father’s footsteps to become a top-performing referee in his own right. He is known for his attention to detail and ability to make quick, accurate calls on the field, and has earned the respect of players and coaches for his fairness and consistency.
- Alex Kemp – With a background in law and experience as a high school and college football player, Kemp brings a unique perspective to his role as an NFL referee. He is known for his clear and consistent officiating, as well as his ability to communicate effectively with players and coaches.
How Much Do NFL Refs Earn?
In terms of salaries, NFL referees typically earn between $205,000 and $550,000 per year, depending on their experience and level of performance. Referees who are selected to officiate playoff games and the Super Bowl can earn additional bonuses.
Big Calls Made By NFL Refs
In recent years, these referees have made important calls in some of the most important games in NFL history. For example, Walt Anderson made a critical call in Super Bowl XLIX, when he ruled that Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse caught the ball. Clete Blakeman, a top NFL referee, made a controversial call in the 2018 NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints. Blakeman and his crew failed to call a blatant pass interference penalty, which resulted in the Rams winning the game and advancing to the Super Bowl.
Similarly, Bill Vinovich, another top NFL ref, made a crucial call in the 2020 NFC Championship Game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers. Vinovich and his crew called a questionable pass interference penalty on the Packers, which helped the Buccaneers win the game and advance to the Super Bowl.
It’s also worth noting that the NFL has implemented several changes to its rules and regulations in recent years, which have impacted the role of referees. For example, in 2019, the NFL introduced new rules regarding pass interference challenges, which gave coaches the ability to challenge pass interference calls and non-calls made by officials. However, the rule proved to be controversial, as many coaches were unhappy with the inconsistent application of the rule by referees.
Conclusion
The role of an NFL referee is crucial to the success of the league, and the top referees in the game are skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced. The referees mentioned in this blog are among the best in the game, with years of experience and numerous important games under their belts. While the job of an NFL referee is challenging and often scrutinized, it’s essential to the integrity of the sport and the safety of its players.
