Super Bowl Referees Get Championship Rings Just Like The Players

When the confetti falls and champagne bottles pop after the Super Bowl, most fans focus on the winning team's celebration. However, there's another group of people who also receive those coveted championship rings: the referees. 

The NFL has a long-standing tradition of awarding Super Bowl rings to the officiating crew, recognizing their role in football's biggest game.

The Tradition Behind The Rings:

The practice of giving rings to Super Bowl referees dates back decades. The NFL believes that officiating the championship game represents the pinnacle of a referee's career, just as playing in it does for athletes. 

These officials have worked their way up through years of regular season and playoff games to earn the assignment. The league rewards this achievement with a tangible symbol of their participation in sports history.

What The Rings Look Like:

Super Bowl referee rings differ from player rings in several ways. They are typically smaller and less elaborate than the versions given to players and coaches. The rings still feature the Super Bowl logo, the year, and the teams that competed. 

Some designs include special markings that identify the wearer as an official rather than a player. The NFL covers the cost of these rings, though they are generally valued at less than the rings given to the winning team.

Who Gets The Rings:

The entire officiating crew receives rings, not just the head referee. This includes the umpire, line judge, side judge, back judge, field judge, and replay official. 

Even the alternate officials who travel to the game as backups receive rings. This means approximately eight to ten referees walk away with Super Bowl rings each year.

The Value Beyond Money:

While these rings have monetary worth, their real value lies in what they represent. For referees, the ring symbolizes reaching the highest level of their profession. 

Many officials display their Super Bowl rings with tremendous pride, often considering them their most prized possession. The rings serve as conversation starters and reminders of their contribution to one of the world's most-watched sporting events.

Recognition That Matters In The Officiating Community:

Receiving a Super Bowl ring elevates a referee's status within the officiating community. It demonstrates that the NFL trusts them to handle high-pressure situations and make split-second decisions when millions of people are watching. 

These officials often mentor younger referees and use their Super Bowl experience to teach others. The ring becomes a badge of honor that follows them throughout their careers and into retirement, representing a level of excellence that few officials ever achieve.