Jerry Markbreit

Jerry Markbreit (born March 23, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois) is a former American football referee in the National Football League (NFL) for 23 seasons and became one of the most recognizable referees in the game ^[1]. Markbreit officiated football games for 43 seasons. From 1966 to 1975, Markbreit officiated college football games in the Big Ten Conference. He then joined the NFL in 1976 as a Line Judge before being promoted to the head referee position in just his second year. His number in the league was number 9. Until he retired from the NFL after the 1998 season, Markbreit officiated in two wild card (1991 and 1994), ten divisional (1979, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1995, 1997, and 1998), eight conference championship (1980, 1983, 1984, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, and 1996) playoff games, one Pro Bowl (1978), and four Super Bowls: Super Bowl XVII, Super Bowl XXI, Super Bowl XXVI, and Super Bowl XXIX and was an alternate in Super Bowl XIX, Super Bowl XXII, and Super Bowl XXVIII ^[2][3]. To date, he is the only NFL head referee to officiate four Super Bowl games. Image File history File links JerryMarkbreit. ... March 23 is the 82nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (83rd in Leap years). ... 1935 (MCMXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar). ... 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Tackle during 2006 Pro Bowl in Hawaii A top cheerleader from each team takes part in the 2006 Pro Bowl in Hawaii The Pro Bowl is the National Football Leagues all-star game. ... The 1978 NFL season was the 59th regular season of the National Football League. ... The winning Super Bowl team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy. ... Date January 30, 1983 Stadium Rose Bowl Stadium City Pasadena, California MVP John Riggins, Running back Favorite Dolphins by 3 National Anthem Leslie Easterbrook Coin toss Elroy Hirsch Halftime show Bob Jani Productions presents KaleidoSUPERscope with the Los Angeles Super Drill Team Attendance 103,667 TV in the United States... Date January 25, 1987 Stadium Rose Bowl Stadium City Pasadena, California MVP Phil Simms, Quarterback Favorite Giants by 9 1/2 National Anthem Neil Diamond Coin toss Willie Davis Halftime show Salute to Hollywoods 100th Anniversary with Southern California high school drill teams and dancers Attendance 101,063 U... Date January 26, 1992 Stadium Metrodome City Minneapolis, Minnesota MVP Mark Rypien, Quarterback Favorite Redskins by 7 National anthem Harry Connick, Jr. ... Date January 29, 1995 Stadium Joe Robbie Stadium City Miami, Florida MVP Steve Young, Quarterback Favorite 49ers by 18½ National anthem Kathie Lee Gifford Coin toss Otto Graham, Joe Greene, Ray Nitschke, and Gale Sayers Referee Jerry Markbreit Halftime show Tony Bennett, Patti LaBelle, Arturo Sandoval, Miami Sound Machine Attendance... Date January 20, 1985 Stadium Stanford Stadium City Stanford, California MVP Joe Montana, Quarterback Favorite 49ers by 3 National anthem Childrens Choir of Los Angeles Coin toss Ronald Reagan (via satellite from the White House) and Hugh McElhenny Referee Pat Haggerty Halftime show World of Childrens Dreams with... Date January 31, 1988 Stadium Jack Murphy Stadium City San Diego, California MVP Doug Williams, Quarterback Favorite Broncos by 3 National anthem Herb Alpert Coin toss Don Hutson Referee Bob McElwee Halftime show Chubby Checker and The Rockettes Attendance 73,302 TV in the United States Network ABC Announcers Al... Date January 30, 1994 Stadium Georgia Dome City Atlanta, Georgia MVP Emmitt Smith, Running back Favorite Cowboys by 10 National anthem Natalie Cole Coin toss Joe Namath Referee Bob McElwee Halftime show Wynonna Judd, Naomi Judd, Clint Black, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker Attendance 72,817 TV in the United States...

He now currently writes a weekly sports column for the Chicago Tribune during the football season. The Chicago Tribune is a major daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois. ...

Career

Woody Hayes confronts Jerry Markbreit during a 1971 college football game between Michigan and Ohio State

Markbreit began officiating in intramural college fraternity games 1953, after nearly being seriously injured several times attempting to play college football at the University of Illinois. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (519x682, 89 KB)Source: http://www. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (519x682, 89 KB)Source: http://www. ... The University of Illinois is the set of three public universities in Illinois. ...

Markbreit began officiating as a career in 1957, when he joined the Central Officials Association, and began working public league and junior varsity games. By the late 1950s, Markbreit was officiating high school games, including several with the teenage Dick Butkus. Richard Marvin Dick Butkus (born December 9, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois) is a former American football player and actor. ...

Markbreit entered the Big Ten Conference as a back judge at the beginning of 1966 season, and became a referee at the end of the following season. He served as the back judge in the "Game of the Century" on November 19, 1966 between top-ranked Notre Dame and second-ranked Michigan State, and was the referee for the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day 1972 between Stanford and Michigan. The Rose Bowl is an annual American college football game, usually played on January 1 (New Years Day) at the stadium of the same name in Pasadena, California. ... For the movie, New Years Day, see New Years Day (film). ... 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ...

During the 1971 season, Markbreit was the referee during the annual Michigan-Ohio State rivalry game, won by the Wolverines at Ann Arbor, 10-7. Late in that game, Buckeyes coach Woody Hayes stormed onto the field to protest following a Michigan interception, feeling that Markbreit's officiating crew missed a defensive pass interference call against the home team. Hayes received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, was dragged off the field by two assistant coaches, and then threw the sideline markers onto the field in a fit of anger. When Michigan ran its next offensive play, Markbreit ejected Ohio State linebacker Randy Gradishar after he clubbed the Wolverine quarterback in the head. The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is the intense rivalry between the University of Michigan and the Ohio State University football teams. ... For the railroad company, see Ann Arbor Railroad. ... Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes (February 14, 1913 – March 12, 1987) was a college football coach who is best remembered for his 28-year tenure at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, from 1951-1978. ... In American Football pass interference is when a player interferes with an eligible receivers ability to make a fair attempt to catch a forward pass. ... Randy Gradishar was a American football linebacker who was considered by some to be the greatest defensive player in Denver Broncos history. ...

Just before the beginning of the 1968 football season, Markbreit was offered, and declined an early job offer from the NFL (as a back judge). He felt that his lack of college experience would prevent him from obtaining the referee position in the NFL.

Markbreit joined the NFL as a line judge in 1976, and became a referee in 1977 upon the retirement of long-time referee Tommy Bell, who was Markbreit's crew chief during the 1976 season. He retired from the field after working a playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons on January 9, 1999. City San Francisco, California Other nicknames Niners Team colors Cardinal Red, Metallic Gold and Black Head Coach Mike Nolan Owner Denise DeBartolo York and John York General manager none Mascot Sourdough Sam League/Conference affiliations All-America Football Conference (1946-1949) Western Division (1946-1948) National Football League (1950–present... City Atlanta, Georgia Team colors Black, Red, Silver, and White Head Coach Jim L. Mora Owner Arthur Blank General manager Rich McKay Mascot Freddie Falcon League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1966–present) Eastern Conference (1966) Western Conference (1967-69) Coastal Division (1967-1969) National Football Conference (1970-present) NFC...

Markbreit is still very much involved in the league as he served as an instant replay official for two years following his retirement as an active official and currently works as an associate supervisor and head trainer for NFL referees. The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view. ...

His non-NFL work has included advertising sales for Where Magazine, and many years as a Trade and Barter Manager for 3M. 3M Company (NYSE: MMM); formerly Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company until 2002) is an American corporation with a worldwide presence that produces over 55,000 products, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, electronic circuits and displays, and pharmaceuticals. ...

Incidents

The Holy Roller

Markbreit officiated the Holy Roller play, an infamous, controversial game-winning play executed by the Oakland Raiders against the San Diego Chargers on September 10, 1978. With 10 seconds left in the game, the Raiders had possession of the ball at the Chargers 14-yard line, trailing 20-14. Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler lost the ball, and it rolled forward towards the San Diego goal line. Running back Pete Banaszak tried to recover the ball on the 12-yard line, but could not keep his footing, and the ball was pushed even closer to the end zone. Raiders tight end Dave Casper was the next player to reach the ball but he also could not get a handle on it. He batted and kicked the ball into the end zone, where he fell on it for the game-tying touchdown as time ran out. The Raiders won, 21-20, with the ensuing extra point by placekicker Errol Mann. In American football, the Holy Roller (known as the Immaculate Deception by San Diego Chargers fans) was an infamous, controversial game-winning play executed by the Oakland Raiders against the Chargers on September 10, 1978 (see 1978 in sports). ... In American football, the Holy Roller (known as the Immaculate Deception by San Diego Chargers fans) was an infamous, controversial game-winning play executed by the Oakland Raiders against the Chargers on September 10, 1978 (see 1978 in sports). ... City Oakland, California Team colors Silver and Black Head Coach Art Shell Owner Al Davis General manager Michael Lombardi League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Western Division (1960-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970-present) AFC West (1970-present) Team history Oakland Raiders (1960... City San Diego, California Other nicknames Bolts, Super Chargers Team colors Navy Blue, White, and Gold Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer Owner Alex Spanos George Pernicano (Minority owner (3%)) General manager A.J. Smith Fight song San Diego Super Chargers League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Western Division (1960... September 10 is the 253rd day of the year (254th in leap years). ... 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday. ... Kenny The Snake Stabler (born December 25, 1945) is a former National Football League quarterback who played quarterback at the University of Alabama and for the Oakland Raiders (1970-1979); and for the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints (1980-1984). ... Pete Andrew Banaszak was a running back in NFL. Category: ... The tight end (TE) is a position in American football on the offensive team. ... David John Casper (born February 2, 1952, Bemidji, Minnesota) played at the University of Notre Dame, earning him All-American in 1972 and 1973. ...

As referee, Markbreit had the primary responsibility of judging Stabler's actions during the play. Markbreit ruled that Stabler fumbled the ball instead of intentionally throwing a forward pass. Despite the fact that fans continue to believe it should have been called an incomplete pass, the league backed up referee Markbreit's call.^[4]

Super Bowl XVII coin toss

Markbreit botched the coin toss during Super Bowl XVII. Dolphins captain Bob Kuechenberg called "tails," and the coin came down "tails." However, Markbreit became confused by the similar design of both sides of the coin: one side had two helmets and the other side showed two players holding helmets.^[5] Thus, he incorrectly thought "heads" had landed. When Markbreit became confused, NBC Sports play-by-play announcer Dick Enberg ordered his producer to cut off the microphones surrounding midfield and pull away from the tight shot involving Markbreit, Kuechenburg and Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann. After a short discussion with his head linesman, Dale Hamer, Markbreit corrected his mistake before the kickoff. Coin flipping or coin tossing is the practice of throwing a coin in the air to resolve a dispute between two parties or otherwise choose between two alternatives. ... Date January 30, 1983 Stadium Rose Bowl Stadium City Pasadena, California MVP John Riggins, Running back Favorite Dolphins by 3 National Anthem Leslie Easterbrook Coin toss Elroy Hirsch Halftime show Bob Jani Productions presents KaleidoSUPERscope with the Los Angeles Super Drill Team Attendance 103,667 TV in the United States... Bob Kuechenberg (born October 14, 1947 in Gary, Indiana) is a former National Football League offensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins for fifteen seasons between 1970 and 1984, spending the last in injured reserve where he was a mainstay in a Hall of Fame line that included Hall of Famers... NBC Sports logo NBC Sports is a division of NBC, responsible for the televising of many sports events on the network. ... Dick Enberg (born January 9, 1935 in Armada, Michigan) is an American sportscaster. ... Joseph Robert Theismann (born September 9, 1949 in New Brunswick, New Jersey,) is a former American football quarterback and current television football announcer for ESPN. He was born to an Austrian father, Joseph John Theismann, and a Hungarian mother, Olga Tobias, and was raised in South River, New Jersey. ... Dale Hamer was an American football official in the National Football League (NFL) on two occasions, from 1978 to 1994 and from 1996 to 2001. ...

Charles "Too Mean" Martin and Jim McMahon

On November 23 1986, Chicago native Markbreit worked his first game as an NFL referee at Soldier Field when the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears renewed thieir ancient rivalry. In the second quarter of the game, Bears quarterback Jim McMahon was intercepted, and as he watched the proceedings downfield, Packers defensive end Charles "Too Mean" Martin picked up McMahon and slammed him shoulder-first into the AstroTurf. Martin remained hovered over McMahon on one knee, taunting him, until Bears' offensive tackle Jimbo Covert barreled full-speed into Martin. Markbreit ejected Martin from the game, despite strenuous protests from Packers coach (and Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle) Forrest Gregg. It would be Markbreit's first ejection as an NFL official. When describing the penalty, Markbreit stated that Martin, number 94 of the Packers, "stuffed" McMahon into the ground. November 23 is the 327th day of the year (328th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 38 days remaining. ... The 1986 NFL season was the 67th regular season of the National Football League. ... Soldier Field is located on famous Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, and is currently home to the NFLs Chicago Bears. ... City Green Bay, Wisconsin Team colors Dark Green, Gold, and White Head Coach Mike McCarthy Owner 111,967 stockholders Chairman Bob Harlan General manager Ted Thompson Fight song Go! You Packers! Go! League/Conference affiliations Independent (1919-1920) National Football League (1921–present) Western Division (1933-1949) National Conference (1950... City Chicago, Illinois Other nicknames Da Bears, The Monsters of the Midway Team colors Navy Blue, Orange and White Head Coach Lovie Smith Owner Virginia Halas McCaskey Chairman Michael McCaskey General manager Jerry Angelo Fight song Bear Down, Chicago Bears Mascot Staley Da Bear League/Conference affiliations Independent (1919) National... James Robert McMahon (born August 21, 1959 in Jersey City, New Jersey) was an American football star in the 1980s, first at Brigham Young University and later in the professional ranks with the Chicago Bears. ... Charles Martin was a professional football player, who is best known for his days with the Green Bay Packers. ... Listen to this article · (info) This audio file was created from an article revision dated 2006-02-04, and does not reflect subsequent edits to the article. ... James Paul Jimbo Covert (born March 22, 1960 in Conway, Pennsylvania) was an All-Pro offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears. ... The Pro Football Hall of Fame is technically the National Football Leagues Hall of Fame. ... Alvis Forrest Gregg (born October 18, 1933, in Birthright, Texas) is a former American Football Offensive Tackle and coach who played for the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. ...

Martin was suspended for two games by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, the longest suspension for an on-field incident until Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was suspended five games by commissioner Roger Goodell for stomping on the face of Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode during an October 1, 2006 game ^[6]. Alvin Ray Pete Rozelle (March 1, 1926–December 6, 1996) was the commissioner of the National Football League (NFL) from January 1960 to November 1989, when he retired from office. ... City Nashville, Tennessee Team colors Navy, Titans Blue, White, and Red Head Coach Jeff Fisher Owner Bud Adams General manager Floyd Reese Mascot T-Rac League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960-1969) Eastern Division (1960-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970-present) AFC Central (1970... Albert Haynesworth (born June 17, 1981) is a current American Football defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League. ... Roger Goodell (born February 19, 1959)[1] is the Commissioner of the National Football League, having been chosen to succeed the retiring Paul Tagliabue on August 8, 2006. ... City Irving, Texas Other nicknames The Boys, Americas Team Team colors Royal Blue, Navy Blue, Silver-Green, Silver, and White Head Coach Bill Parcells Owner Jerry Jones General manager Jerry Jones Mascot Rowdy [1] League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1960–present) Western Conference (1960) Eastern Conference (1961-1969... Andre Gurode (born March 6, 1978 in Houston, Texas) is an American football guard for the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL. He was selected with the fifth pick of the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of the University of Colorado. ...

During the game, Martin wore a "hit list" towel with the numbers of several Bears listed, including those of McMahon, running back Walter Payton, wide receiver Willie Gault and center Jay Hilgenberg. Walter Jerry Payton (July 25, 1954 – November 1, 1999) was an American football running back for the Chicago Bears. ... Willie James Gault (born September 5, 1960 in Griffin, Georgia) was a National Football League wide receiver with the 1985/86 Chicago Bears team that won Super Bowl XX. Gault was the prototypical speed merchant, meaning his greatest asset was his pure straight line swiftness. ... Jay Walter Hilgenberg (born March 21, 1959) was a center in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints. ...

The call was largely credited by the media and NFL executives in helping Markbreit land the assignment as the referee of Super Bowl XXI two months later. Date January 25, 1987 Stadium Rose Bowl Stadium City Pasadena, California MVP Phil Simms, Quarterback Favorite Giants by 9 1/2 National Anthem Neil Diamond Coin toss Willie Davis Halftime show Salute to Hollywoods 100th Anniversary with Southern California high school drill teams and dancers Attendance 101,063 U...

Books by Markbreit

• The Armchair Referee—500 Questions and Answers about Football (ISBN 0-385-08089-1)
• Born to Referee: My Life on the Gridiron (ISBN 0-688-07938-5)
• Last Call: Memoirs of an NFL Referee (ISBN 1-58382-030-2)

Notes

1. ^ Ask The Referee. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved on 2006-10-16.
2. ^ Profile for Jerry Markbreit. Otellus. Retrieved on 2006-10-15.
3. ^ NFL REFEREES PLAYOFF HISTORY. Behind the Football Stripes. Retrieved on 2006-10-15.
4. ^ Markbreit, Jerry; & Steinberg, Alan (1999). Last Call: Memoirs of an NFL Referee, pp 183-186. Champaign, Illinois: Sports Publishing Inc. ISBN 1-58382-030-2.
5. ^ Nash, Bruce, and Allen Zullo (1990). The Football Hall of Shame 2, 21, Pocket Books. ISBN 0-671-69413-8.
6. ^ Titans' Haynesworth gets five-game suspension. NFL.com (2006-10-02). Retrieved on 2006-10-04.

The Chicago Tribune is a major daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 16 is the 289th day of the year (290th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 15 is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 15 is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 4 is the 277th day of the year (278th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ...

Quotes

• "There's no such thing as perfection. Mistakes happen. Officials are so hard on themselves. When they make a mistake, nobody feels worse than they do."
• "I had several big-time mistakes. I felt at the time that it happened, 'Why am I here?' You're heartsick about a call that you made. You want everything to be perfect. But it's not a perfect science. There's nothing perfect."

External links

• Ask Jerry Markbreit - Markbreit's column for the Chicago Tribune (Last accessed February 25, 2006).