NFL Announces Referees For Super Bowl 60, And Everyone Is Saying The Same Thing
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The NFL has revealed its officiating crew for Super Bowl 60, ahead of the conference championship games.
The Seattle Seahawks or Los Angeles Rams will face either the Denver Broncos or New England Patriots for football’s biggest prize on February 8. The deciding games are set for this Sunday, with the teams set to battle for a chance at the Lombardi Trophy.
Fans already know exactly who they want to see.
Meanwhile, the league has revealed that Shawn Smith will be a first-time referee on the night. According to Football Zebras, Smith, in his 11th NFL season, has been a referee for eight of them. He has worked in 10 playoff games previously and was the ref for the Patriots’ win over the Houston Texans this past Sunday.
This announcement comes after the league dropped news regarding a new musical performance not featuring Bad Bunny.
Veterans and First-Timers Headline Super Bowl 60 Officiating Team
Shawn Smith will be joined by umpire Roy Ellison, with Eugene Hall to be a side judge. Greg Steed will be a back judge, Dana McKenszie will serve as a down judge, and Julian Mapp will be the line judge. The aforementioned have all worked the Super Bowl in the past.
Field judge Jason Ledet and replay official Andrew Lambert will make their Super Bowl debuts.
Fans were all asking for one man after the announcement dropped on Tuesday.
“Not Carl Cheffers? Did something happen?” one inquired.
Not Carl Cheffers? Did something happen?
— Food Additive Designer of the Year (2025) (@BuffSausageKing) January 20, 2026
“Why not Cheffers?” another asked.
Why not Cheffers?
— Showtime (@showtimehcky) January 20, 2026
“Wouldn’t be surprised to learn about a ref or cheating scandal with the Patriots in the offseason. They are known for criminal activity,” one fan also suggested.
Wouldn’t be surprised to learn about a ref or cheating scandal with the Patriots in the offseason. They are known for criminal activity.
— Tom Fraudy (@thesportspo11) January 20, 2026
Meanwhile, Smith’s promotion to Super Bowl referee is notable. He’s set to become one of the few Black refs to officiate the NFL’s premium product.
His crew includes veteran officials with Super Bowl appearances, as well as notable debutants.
