The NFL is on the verge of having replacement referees in 2026.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday night, March 18, that due to an ongoing negotiation between the league and the officiating association, replacement refs could be put into action in 2026.
The last time the league had replacement refs was in 2012, when we had the infamous "Fail Mary!" game between the Seahawks and the Packers. The game ended when Russell Wilson found Golden Tate in the end zone, though initially, one ref ruled an interception, with the other claiming a touchdown. It was one of the most controversial calls in league history.
Now, ahead of the 2026 season, we could get replacement refs again.
The NFL is beginning to "lay the ground work" for replacement officials in 2026.
"The proposed approach is similar to what the NFL carried out during a 2012 lockout of officials, which extended 110 days and ended after the third week of the regular season. The current CBA is due to expire at the end of May," ESPN reported.
"According to the emails, the league is looking for a list of about 150 mostly small college officials by the end of this weekend. Those officials could begin onboarding as early as April then attend a four-day clinic in May. Absent a CBA agreement, they would continue training through the summer and make visits to training camps before the regular season begins."
Pat McAfee is already furious with the idea
McAfee, a former NFL punter turned sports media star, is furious with the suggestion. He says it can't happen.
"NOPE," he wrote on X.
"WE CAN'T BE DOING REPLACEMENT HIGH SCHOOL REFS IN THE NFL AGAIN."
McAfee wants NFL refs to adapt to modern technology, be for the good of the game and do better in big moments.
"We need you to care about the game," he said.
Hopefully, the NFL will be able to figure things out for the officials before the regular season starts.
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