The NFL is considering hiring replacement referees as negotiations with the NFL Referees Association stall ahead of the 2026 season, with plans to onboard around 150 referees from small colleges this spring. This move recalls the controversial 2012 referee lockout, which ended following the infamous “Fail Mary” incident. NFLRA executive director Scott Green expressed surprise at the league’s potential return to using low-level officials. The current collective bargaining agreement expires in May, amid growing frustration among NFL owners.
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NFL considers replacement referees for 2026 season
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