The NFL is currently planning to hire replacement officials for the 2026 season. This move comes as negotiations with the NFL Referees Association remain stalled. The current labor deal expires on May 31, 2026.
Pat McAfee is speaking out against this plan. He played during the 2012 referee lockout. He remembers the poor quality of officiating during that time. He wants both sides to find a deal soon.
Pat McAfee
Pat McAfee, right, talks to Kirk Herbstreit on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.
McAfee posted his thoughts on social media. Hewrote, “NOPE. WE CAN’T BE DOING REPLACEMENT HIGH SCHOOL REFS IN THE NFL AGAIN.” He believes the 2012 season had terrible days for the league.
NOPE
WE CAN’T BE DOING REPLACEMENT HIGH SCHOOL REFS IN THE NFL AGAIN@NFL, time to start the retired player pipeline.. FOR THE GOOD OF BALL https://t.co/4eI07viBqV pic.twitter.com/JcNzgZpYAS
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 18, 2026
The league is looking for 150 officials from small colleges. They want to start training them in April 2026. The NFL wants more power to punish refs for mistakes. They also want to reward high performers.
The referees union is fighting these changes. They want to keep the current rules. Scott Green is the head of the union. He is worried about the risks of using lower-level officials.
Green believes replacements are more vulnerable to pressure to gamble. He thinks they cannot handle the speed of pro games. This could lead to more player injuries on the field. Former players agree with this view.
Chase Daniel also called the plan “insane.” He said that replacement refs affect how players talk to officials. It also changes how the league protects the players during the game.
The NFL has 119 total officials. The league wants them to adapt to new technology. McAfee thinks the league should hire retired players as refs. He believes they understand the game better.
Both sides have until the end of May to reach an agreement. If they fail, the 2026 season will start with replacements. Fans and players hope for a quick resolution to protect the game.
Pat McAfee reacts to Zaire Franklin joining Green Bay Packers
The Indianapolis Colts traded Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers on March 11, 2026. This move ended his 8 years with the team. Indianapolis received defensive tackle Colby Wooden in the deal.
The trade saves the Colts 5.8 million dollars in salary cap space. Franklin signed a new 2-year contract with Green Bay. This deal includes a 3.75 million dollar signing bonus.
Pat McAfeediscussed the trade on his ESPN show. He said he was “pumped to get along with the locker room” now. McAfee also mentioned he would be “buying a suite again” at the stadium.
Franklin led the league in tackles in 2024. He is expected to replace Quay Walker in the Green Bay defense. The Colts will now have to fill a large gap in their lineup.