The NFL conference championship games are still to be played, but the league already has its Super Bowl LIX officiating crew set for New Orleans on February 9.
Ron Torbert, the veteran referee who also led a team in Super Bowl LVI where the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, will be back for the “Big Game,” this time at Caesars Superdome.
The only person on Torbert’s crew with Super Bowl experience is lineman 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 St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV.
According to Football Zebras’ Ben Austro, Morton will make history as the first person to play and referee in the Super Bowl.
The rest of the crew is referee Max Causey, linesman Mark Stewart, field referee Mearl Robinson, back referee Jonah Monroe and replay official Kevin Brown.
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It’s worth noting that Morton and Causey are only in their third seasons, and the Super Bowl generally has officials with at least five years of experience.
As for Torbert, he has been working NFL games since 2010, starting as a lineman before becoming a referee in 2014.
Referee Ron Torbert talks 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 had slightly more than one penalty (1.03) for 11.40 more yards on average during the 2024 season.
Torbert and his crew will know which two teams to referee for come this weekend.
The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles will kick off first at Lincoln Financial Field to determine who will represent the NFC in New Orleans.
They split their NFC East series in the regular season, with Commanders rookie sensation Jayden Daniels leading his team on a winning streak 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 many wanted to see in the AFC, the latest chapter of the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills will take place at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bills beat the Chiefs in the regular season, but postseason play has favored the Chiefs in this matchup in their home building.
