Detroit Native Shawn Smith Leads Super Bowl LX Coin Toss

NFL referee from Cody High School reflects on historic Super Bowl appearance.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 11:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Shawn Smith, a referee from Detroit, made history as one of the few Black officials to lead the crew for the Super Bowl. Smith, who started officiating Pop Warner games in junior high, worked his way up from high school to Division II college and eventually the NFL, where he has been a lead referee for the past eight seasons. Despite the nerves of the coin toss, Smith said once the game started, it was just another football game to officiate.

Why it matters

Smith's journey from a high school referee in Detroit to leading the crew at the Super Bowl is an inspiring story that highlights the hard work and dedication required to reach the pinnacle of one's profession. As one of the few Black officials in the NFL, his appearance also represents an important milestone for diversity and inclusion in professional sports.

The details

Smith began officiating Pop Warner games while still in junior high, later becoming a track athlete at Eastern Michigan University where he also refereed intramural flag football. He then transferred to Ferris State University to earn his degree in accountancy before jumping from high school ball straight to Division II, eventually reaching the NFL in 2015. Despite a decade of experience and eight seasons as a lead referee, Smith admitted that the pre-game jitters were real, especially standing at midfield alongside NFL legend Joe Montana for the ceremonial coin toss.

  • Smith began officiating Pop Warner games while still in junior high.
  • Smith was a track athlete at Eastern Michigan University, where he also refereed intramural flag football.
  • Smith transferred to Ferris State University to earn his degree in accountancy.
  • Smith reached the NFL as a referee in 2015.
  • Smith led the crew for Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026.

The players

Shawn Smith

A referee from Detroit who made history as one of the few Black officials to lead the crew for the Super Bowl.

Joe Montana

An NFL legend who participated in the ceremonial coin toss at Super Bowl LX.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The coin toss was the most nerve-wracking part. But once that first whistle blew, everything settled in. It was just another football game.”

— Shawn Smith, NFL Referee (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Smith plans to continue officiating in the NFL, with the goal of being selected for more high-profile games in the future.

The takeaway

Shawn Smith's journey from a high school referee in Detroit to leading the crew at the Super Bowl is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His historic appearance also represents an important step forward for diversity and inclusion in professional sports.