Football season is in full swing and every weekend we watch the NFL referees run up and down the field making calls that can make or break the outcome of the game. Those poor referees. They get the brunt of the angst. Fans yelling at their TVs when they think a call was wrong. Fans criticize refs easily, but the truth of the matter is that the NFL's website shows that referees were 95.9% accurate on all calls during the 2016 season. With that kind of accuracy, those officials in the striped shirts deserve a big payday—and they know it. Just look at what happened in 2012 when the official referees were on strike. Replacement referees had to step in and boy was that a disaster. It was a Monday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. A very controversial end zone call at the end of the game forced the NFL and its striking officials back to the bargaining table. Three weeks into the 2012 season they came to a new eight year agreement that included changes in their pension and retirement benefits as well as wage increases throughout the term of the agreement.
The Financial Landscape of NFL Referees
During the 2012-2013 season, the average NFL referee salary was $149,000. For the 2013-2014 season, this figure grew to $173,000. By the 2014-2015 season, referees earned an average of $10,500 per game, which totals approximately $180,000 annually when considering regular season, pre-season, and playoff games. This substantial income reflects the financial demand and expertise required to officiate at this level.
In 2019, the average NFL salary was raised to $205,000. Today, a rookie NFL referee's salary starts at $78,000, while a 10-year veteran can make as much as $200,000 per season. However, there’s a catch: NFL referees are not full-time employees. They do not receive paid time off and lack health benefits. Despite the high pay, most officials maintain full-time jobs outside of football.
The Rigorous Preparations of NFL Referees
Even though being an NFL ref is just a side job, referees aren't simply running around blowing a whistle for a few hours each Sunday. The reality is that NFL referees are required to invest 35-40 hours per week in preparing for games. This preparation includes training physically, studying the rules, and traveling for games. Such dedication is essential to ensure that they are fully equipped to make the right calls during high-stakes matches.
For example, now-retired NFL ref Ed Hochuli famously worked a day job as a lawyer while officiating games. This highlights the dual commitment that many referees have to maintain their careers outside of football while dedicating significant time to their officiating responsibilities. This demanding schedule showcases their passion for the game and the level of professionalism required to officiate in the NFL.
In conclusion, the life of an NFL referee is far more complex than it may appear on the surface. From their impressive accuracy rates to their substantial salaries and rigorous preparation, these officials play a crucial role in the success of each game. Their dedication and hard work deserve recognition and respect from fans and players alike.
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