NFL
Do NFL refs have other jobs?
In addition to their roles as officials in the league, National Football League referees are required to hold other jobs to supplement their income.
Yes, NFL referees typically have other jobs besides their role as league officials. Unlike players, who are full-time employees, NFL referees are considered part-time employees. Officiating NFL games is not their primary occupation.
Many NFL referees have careers outside of football, ranging from professions like lawyers, teachers, and business executives to various other fields.
During the NFL season, referees dedicate significant time to their officiating duties, including reviewing game footage, participating in training sessions, and traveling to games. However, they return to their primary professions for the rest of the year. This dual-career structure allows the league to benefit from the diverse expertise and experience of individuals from various fields while maintaining consistency and quality in officiating.
With 17 full officiating crews, the NFL can assign up to 16 weekly games. However, almost all crew members hold other jobs.
The crew leader referees and their professions
The 17 referees, the leaders of each crew, all have other jobs. Brad Allen has been a referee for 10 seasons and is now a CEO of a non-profit organization. Tray Blake is a software quality assurance manager in his second season as a referee. Clete Blakeman is an attorney and has been a referee for 14 seasons. Carl Cheffers has been a referee for 16 seasons and is a sales manager. Land Clark, in his fourth season, is a chief building official. A tax manager, Alan Eck, has joined as a referee this season. Adrian Hill, a fifth-season referee, is an aerospace software engineer. Shawn Hochuli, a financial advisor, is in his sixth season as a referee.
John Hussey is a sales representative and has been a referee for nine seasons. Alex Kemp, an insurance agent, has been a referee for six seasons. In his sixth season, Clay Martin is a high school administrator and basketball coach. As a sales manager, Scott Novak is in his fifth season as a referee. Brad Rodgers, a college professor, is in his fifth season as a referee. Shawn Smith, who works in finance, is also in his sixth season as a referee. Ron Torbert, an attorney, has been a referee for ten seasons. Bill Vinovich, a C.P.A., has been a referee for 15 seasons. Craig Wrolstad, an athletic director, has been a referee for ten seasons.