For any of you aspiring to the NFL, be careful - or at least fully aware - of what you are asking for (and what you’ll actually get).
No, I’ve never been there. But, I worked on the field, in FBS football, with many past, and current NFL officials. There was a time when the environment in the NFL was one of respect and trust of, by, and for their officials. Even the inception of replay was embraced by the officials, and used as a tool to make sure the games were played within the spirit and intent of the rules of the game.
Yes, errors are made. Always have, and always will, as long as humans are involved. Even in the face of intense scrutiny, as long as that scrutiny was by persons truly, and fully, qualified to review and evaluate officials, the environment was positive. From many, I have heard, “If we made an error, show us, and we’ll all learn from it, and get better.” It was a good environment, and served the game at the highest level possible.
For the longest time, NFL officiating trainers and evaluators were retired veteran NFL officials. Who better to perform these valuable services?
Then, one day, a certain VP of Officiating decided it would be a good idea to start using ex-coaches and ex-players - WITH ZERO ON-FIELD OFFICIATING EXPERIENCE - as evaluators and trainers. Slowly at first, starting with just one. Then, over time, more and more, until there are now a large group of these folks hanging out at 345 Park Avenue, New York, many of whom have close direct ties to teams and active coaches. Active coaches are contacting these folks with ‘comments’ about the officiating in their games. Most of the comments turn into things like, “That wasn’t enough for a holding foul in the NFL.” Or, “That call didn’t need to be made at that point in that game.” These coaches/players have never worked a game as an official, and have not put in any significant time in learning the rules and interpretations, or understanding mechanics and HOW to officiate a game. These guys pore over video with multiple views of every action - in extremely slow motion - in an effort to help their buddies on the teams. Officials get ONE look at all action, and “get it right” an incredibly high percentage of the time.
If that isn’t bad enough, the execs have their favorites. Not their fault, or anything they do to become a favorite, but, for a variety of reasons, some officials are favorites, and don’t get the scrutiny that other officials get. I will go on record as saying that nearly all of the non-favorites are exceptional officials, who deserve to be in the NFL, and belong there. Yet, almost every year, one or more of these exceptional officials get released for ‘poor performance.’ Leading up to their dismissal, the execs search for things - almost anything - they can find to downgrade these non-favorites. By doing so, and releasing these folks, the execs can claim they are holding officials accountable, and making officiating better.
The truth is, in most cases, they release officials - good officials, in reality - with a good number of years of experience, and replace them with ….who? Someone with no NFL experience. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.
And, in the past several years, New York is becoming more and more involved in providing input to the RO and on-field officials with regard to rulings. They may disagree with the RO, and provide direction on what they see as the correct ruling. This has not been widely known, but, recently, the NFL made it public and reported that, yes, the Command Center in New York will have the ability to provide input to the RO and crew during games, when they deem necessary. Not the epitome of showing confidence in their on-field staff and ROs.
Oh, and even this toxic environment extends to ROs. Even if New York gives direction on something, if things “go sideways,” they have been known to throw the RO under the bus.
I can’t tell you how many NFL folks I have heard say how they used to have fun and enjoy being an NFL official. But, now, it just isn’t any fun. If it wasn’t for the money (which is just a micro-fraction of the total NFL budget), they would walk away.
This started with one guy, who, amazingly, is still hanging around. I’ve never known a person who is more disliked by those ‘below’ that person. And for a long time now. Sadly, this environment may not go away, even when he, finally, goes away. But, it would be a good start.
So, if you aspire to the NFL, be sure to keep your eyes and ears open. It may not be the Promised Land you think it is.
Good luck to everyone, NFL or otherwise.
