The NFL conference championship games have yet to be played, but the league already has its Super Bowl LIX officiating crew scheduled for New Orleans on February 9.
Ron Torbert, the veteran referee who also coached a team in Super Bowl LVI where the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, will return for the “Big Game,” this time at Caesars Superdome.
The only person on Torbert’s team who has Super Bowl experience is side judge Boris Cheek.
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NFL referee Ron Torbert during the Arizona Cardinals’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
However, referee Mike Morton has been to the Super Bowl before, but as a player. He was a member of the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV.
According to Ben Austro of Football Zebras, Morton will make history as the first person to play and officiate in the Super Bowl.
The rest of the team consists of judge Max Causey, linesman Mark Stewart, field judge Mearl Robinson, back judge Jonah Monroe and replay official Kevin Brown.
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It’s worth noting that Morton and Causey are only in their third season as referees, and the Super Bowl typically has referees with at least five years of experience.
As for Torbert, he has worked NFL games since 2010, starting as a background judge before becoming a referee in 2014.
Referee Ron Torbert speaks with Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor during the third quarter of the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
According to Pro Football Reference, Torbert has taken just over one penalty (1.03) for 11.40 more yards on average during the 2024 season.
Torbert and his team will know which two teams they will referee for this weekend.
The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles will start first at Lincoln Financial Field to determine who will represent the NFC in New Orleans.
They split their NFC East regular-season series, with Commanders rookie sensation Jayden Daniels leading his team to a winning series at home.
NFL referee Ron Torbert during the Cincinnati Bengals’ game against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Then, a rematch that many wanted to see in the AFC, the last chapter of the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills will take place at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bills beat the Chiefs during the regular season, but the postseason has favored the Chiefs in this matchup in their home building.
