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While it happens every year, it feels like the NFL referees were operating under a microscope during the 2025-2026 season.
From the beginning of the season, when the tush push proved that it was nearly impossible to officiate, to the NFL playoffs, where another catch/no catch debate was born.
One of the biggest arguments about NFL officials is that fans want them to be full-time employees. The large majority of referees in the league are part-time employees and have another job outside of the NFL. Fans believe that making them full-time employees could lead to more consistency in how games are called.
While the hope is that officiating never determines the outcome of a game, that is especially true in the Super Bowl. Every call is important and the officiating crew deals with the most pressure it will have had all season. But don't worry, they are highly compensated for their efforts.
Here is more on how much NFL officials are paid to work the Super Bowl in 2026.
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How much are referees paid for Super Bowl 60?
The NFL pays referees separately for the playoffs. Being selected for the postseason is merit-based, and not all 17 of the crews hired for the season will be assigned to a playoff game.
Again, exact figures are not available, but the best guess is that the referees make about $3,000 to $5,000 per game. Being the head referee for the Super Bowl comes with a hefty bonus of between $30,000 and $50,000, per SI.
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How much do NFL referees make?
The NFL does not release the exact salaries of referees and officials. The latest Collective Bargaining Agreement suggested the average NFL referee earns approximately $205,000 per season. Assuming they are selected for a game per week, that would average out to $11,400 per regular-season game.
The referee and official salaries will be a point of contention in the upcoming offseason. The NFL Referees Association agreed to a seven-year deal with the league in 2019, and it expires on May 31, 2026. This means that the NFL and Referee Association will have to agree on new terms ahead of the 2026 regular season.
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Who are the Super Bowl 60 game officials?
Below are the officials who will be on the call for Super Bowl 60 between the Patriots and the Seahawks, led by Shawn Smith.
| Position | Official | Previous Super Bowl |
| Referee | Shawn Smith | -- |
| Umpire | Roy Ellison | 42, 52, 57 |
| Down Judge | Dana McKenzie | 49 |
| Line Judge | Julian Mapp | -- |
| Field Judge | Jason Ledet | -- |
| Side Judge | Eugene Hall | 52, 55, 57 |
| Back Judge | Greg Steed | 44, 54 |
| Replay Official | Andrew Lambert | -- |
| Replay Assistant | Julie Johnson | -- |
Below are the alternates on hand to be called upon if needed.
| Position | Official | Previous Super Bowl |
| Referee | Shawn Hochuli | -- |
| Umpire | Terry Killens | 58 |
| Down Judge | David Oliver | -- |
| Line Judge | Tom Eaton | -- |
| Field Judge | Jabir Walker | -- |
| Side Judge | Anthony Jeffries | -- |
| Back Judge | Brad Freeman | 58 |
| Replay Official | Chad Adams | 53 |
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Is refereeing in the NFL a full-time job?
Being an NFL referee is not a full-time job, as the vast majority of officials around the league work another job. For example, Smith works in finance when he isn't an NFL referee.
All nine of the 2026 Super Bowl referees have another job. Every NFL official is eligible for a 401k, but does not get other benefits through the league.
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