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NFL referees always get an earful every game, especially if fans think they made the wrong call. They've been called derogatory names and heard the worst language from spectators.
While they can impact a game's outcome, referees rarely get the appreciation they deserve for keeping the game in order. Football's physical nature could put the game out of control without them. In addition to enforcing the rules, keeping them in mind as the match progresses is also a challenge, given the NFL's thick rule book.
Because it's a demanding job, NFL referees earn their keep based on the ratified collective bargaining agreement between the league and the NFL Referees Association. Like in corporate scenarios, the more experienced individuals get a higher pay.
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NFL Referees Earn A Respectable Wage
Based on previous CBAs, NFL referees earn an average of $205,000 per season, translating to $11,400 per game. However, that amount grows as the league increases its revenue. Likewise, the more senior game officials like Craig Wrolstad and Brad Allen could earn up to $250,000.
Meanwhile, referees could earn between $3,000 to $5,000 for officiating a postseason game. That amount increases from $30,000 to $50,000 when they work during the Super Bowl. While the Super Bowl pay is steep, referees who get the opportunity to officiate the season's biggest game must be at the top of their game.
NFL Referees should make the NFL player minimum of $660,000 per year
They should be expected to train and study and learn as hard as NFL players do to prepare themselves year-round
Make it highly desirable and competitive and you’ll wind up with great officials https://t.co/gCfSjQeKhC
— Eric Rosenthal (@ericsports) December 19, 2022
However, unlike NFL players who are employees of their respective teams, referees do not have a full-time engagement with the league. Instead, they could perform other jobs from when the season ends until the preseason commences.
NFL Referees Still Underpaid Compared to Players
While $250,000 isn't loose change for most Americans, that amount is nowhere near the league's minimum annual salary for players. As of the 2024 season, the lowest base salary for an NFL player is $795,000, often reserved for rookies.
There have been calls for higher pay for NFL referees, especially if the league will hire them as full-time employees. Those who advocate for this move believe referees will do a better job without distractions.
How Many Game Officials Are There In An NFL Game?
There are seven game officials in each game, led by the referee. The crew chief is the only game official with a white cap, so they are easy to identify.
The umpire and referee also line up at the back of the offensive team's formation. Five other officials with varying responsibilities join them. There's the down judge, who monitors the line of scrimmage, and the line judge, who monitors the sideline.
The field judge supervises the defense and helps determine pass interference infractions—the side judge and the back judge round out the NFL game officials.
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