The NFL’s conference championship games have yet to be played, but the league already has its Super Bowl LIX officiating crew scheduled for New Orleans on Feb. 9.
Ron Torbert, the veteran referee who also led a team in Super Bowl LVI where the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals, will be back 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 during 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 crew 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 officiating and the Super Bowl typically has officials with at least five years of experience.
As for Torbert, he has worked NFL games since 2010, starting as a back judge 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 had just over one penalty (1.03) for 11.40 more yards on average during the 2024 season.
Torbert and his crew will know which two teams they will be officiating for 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 regular season series, with Commanders rookie sensation Jayden Daniels leading his team to a winning home campaign.
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)
Next up, a rematch that many wanted to see in the AFC, the final 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 playoffs favored the Chiefs in this game in their building.
