NFL Braces for Potential Return of Replacement Referees

League prepares to hire 150 small college officials as NFLRA contract nears expiration

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:33am by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The NFL is reportedly preparing to hire replacement referees if they are unable to reach a new collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) before the current contract expires in May 2026. This would mark the second time the league has turned to replacement officials, with the last instance in 2012 leading to a disastrous three-week stretch filled with controversial and incorrect calls that damaged the league's credibility.

Why it matters

The 2012 replacement referee saga showed how poor officiating can significantly impact game outcomes and undermine the integrity of the NFL. With officiating controversies still a weekly occurrence even with the regular officials, the league cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past by relying on inexperienced and unqualified replacement referees.

The details

In 2012, the NFL and NFLRA failed to reach a new CBA by June, leading the league to hire replacement referees. This culminated in the infamous "Fail Mary" play during a Packers-Seahawks Monday Night Football game, where a controversial touchdown call gave the Seahawks a last-second victory. Other replacement referee blunders included incorrect penalty yardage, missed helmet-to-helmet hits, and general confusion over rules. The backlash from players, coaches, and fans ultimately forced the NFL to end the lockout and reinstate the regular officials just two days later.

  • The NFL's current CBA with the NFLRA is expected to expire in May 2026.
  • By the end of March 2026, the NFL plans to have a list of approximately 150 replacement referees from small colleges.
  • The replacement officials would begin training in April 2026 in preparation for the 2026 NFL season.

The players

NFL Referees Association (NFLRA)

The labor union representing the NFL's regular game officials.

Drew Brees

New Orleans Saints quarterback who broke Johnny Unitas's record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass in 2012.

Calvin Johnson

Detroit Lions wide receiver who set the NFL's single-season receiving record in 2012.

Adrian Peterson

Minnesota Vikings running back who fell just short of the NFL's single-season rushing record in 2012.

Tom Brady

New England Patriots quarterback who did not yet have a full hand's worth of Super Bowl rings in 2012.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“F--- it NFL.. Fine me and use the money to pay the regular refs.”

— T.J. Lang, Green Bay Packers guard

“I've got to do something that the NFL is not going to do, and I have to apologize to the fans.”

— Aaron Rodgers

What’s next

The NFL and NFLRA will continue negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement ahead of the current deal's expiration in May 2026. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the league is prepared to move forward with replacement referees.

The takeaway

The NFL cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of 2012 by relying on inexperienced and unqualified replacement officials. Doing so would further undermine the integrity of the game and risk altering the outcomes of crucial matchups. The league must prioritize reaching a new CBA with the NFLRA to ensure high-quality officiating for the 2026 season and beyond.