It’s not easy being a referee in the NFL. Every call is scrutinized, right or wrong, and some decisions made loom large in the outcome of games.
Although referees take plenty of criticism, they are paid well by the league. Here’s a look at how much officials are paid in-season and during the postseason.
How much are refs paid in the regular season, playoffs and Super Bowl?
According to MoneyDigest.com, officials make an average of $205,000 per season. Those who call the Super Bowl are in line for an even bigger payday.
Leading up to the Super Bowl, referees are reportedly paid anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 for postseason games.
Super Bowl bonuses for NFL referees are between $30,000 and $50,000.
Not a bad gig if you can get it.
Who are the referees for Super Bowl LIX?
Below are the officials for the Super Bowl.
- Referee Ron Torbert
- Umpire Mike Morton
- Down Judge Max Causey
- Line Judge Mark Stewart
- Field Judge Mearl Robinson
- Side Judge Boris Cheek
- Back Judge Jonah Monroe
- Replay Official Kevin Brown
This will be Torbert’s second Super Bowl assignment in his career. The Eagles are 5-3 with Torbert as the referee including 2-0 this season. Torbert did not officiate any Chiefs games this season, but the team is 3-1 when he is the referee.
Cheek is set to officiate the big game for the fourth time in his career. Torbert and Cheek are the only two officials with Super Bowl experience.
A season-long evaluation system is used to name the officiating crew for the Super Bowl. The highest-rated officials at each position are selected to officiate as long as they meet the criteria of working in the league for five years or more.
Super Bowl LIX will be nationally televised by FOX and can be streamed on fubo with a free trial. Kickoff will be at 6:30 p.m. ET.
