Super Bowl Referee: Who Officiates the Biggest Game?
Being named the Super Bowl referee is one of the highest honors in NFL officiating. Here is how refs are selected, which officials have worked multiple Super Bowls, and what the job entails.
Analytics Editor
The Super Bowl referee and officiating crew work one of the most scrutinized games in professional sports. Every call — or missed call — can become national news. Here is a complete guide to Super Bowl officiating: how refs are selected, the pressure they face, and the history of notable Super Bowl officiating moments.
How Super Bowl Referees Are Selected
The NFL selects the Super Bowl officiating crew based on performance grades throughout the season. All NFL officials are graded on every play of every game. The top-performing crews — using a composite score based on accuracy, positioning, rule knowledge, and game management — earn the assignment. Being named Super Bowl referee is considered the pinnacle of an officiating career.
The Officiating Crew
A Super Bowl officiating crew consists of eight officials: referee, umpire, head linesman, line judge, field judge, side judge, back judge, and replay official. Each position covers specific areas of the field and specific types of calls. The referee is the crew chief and the most publicly visible official — they wear white caps and announce calls via microphone to the stadium.
Notable Super Bowl Officiating Moments
Super Bowl officiating has occasionally been controversial. Super Bowl XL (2006) — Steelers vs. Seahawks — produced multiple controversial calls that Seahawks fans believe cost them the game. Super Bowl XLIV (2010) included a critical pass interference call that helped the Saints' game-winning drive. These moments have sparked broader discussions about replay review and officiating accountability in the NFL.
The Pressure of the Job
Super Bowl officials face extraordinary pressure. Every call is reviewed by millions of viewers in real time, with analysts, former players, and coaches immediately offering opinions on each decision. Officials receive enhanced security and are kept at a separate hotel from both teams during Super Bowl week. For more Super Bowl information, see our Super Bowl history page and game schedule.
Key Takeaways
- Super Bowl 2027 is scheduled for February 2027
- The Philadelphia Eagles are the defending champions (Super Bowl LIX, 2025)
- The Super Bowl draws 115–130 million viewers annually in the US
- A 30-second commercial spot costs approximately $6.5–7 million
- Tom Brady holds the record with 7 Super Bowl victories
Frequently Asked Questions
Super Bowl 2027 is scheduled for the first Sunday of February 2027. The exact date has not yet been officially confirmed by the NFL, but it is expected to fall on February 2 or February 9, 2027.
Derek Williams
Analytics EditorSports statistician, analytics consultant, former ESPN researcher
Derek Williams is a data-driven football analyst with a background in sports statistics. He specializes in Super Bowl records, trends, and historical performance analysis.
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