Updates

Seven members of the NFL Legends Officiating Development Program’s Class of 2016, including six former NFL players and one current player, will participate in the ninth annual Tom Beard Football Officials Clinic this weekend in Baltimore. The annual clinic, led by prominent NFL and NCAA officials, helps officials advance to the next level and get noticed by officiating scouts.

The NFL Legends Officiating Development Program (LODP) provides current and former players with specialized training, education and support to advance careers in officiating. It is one of several programs offered as part of the broader Football Officiating Academy, a career development initiative led by the NFL’s Officiating Department.

Learn how the NFL develops the next generation of officials. 

The event kicks off today with a special NFL Officiating Clinic. NFL officials, supervisors and former players from the previous LODP classes will share their officiating experiences and offer guidance focused on skill and character development. Presenters include Matt Griebel, NCAA Division I official and LODP Class of 2014; Dwight Pettiford, NFL scout; and Dave Wyant, NFL officiating recruiting and scouting coordinator. Former player and current Director of NFL Player Engagement Keith Elias also will speak with players about making the transition from the field to life after the game.

“We encourage our former players to explore officiating as a post-playing career, as it offers a great way for them to continue to serve the sport they love,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations. “Our Legends Officiating Development Program has been invaluable in helping our players to effectively transfer their in-game knowledge and instincts to the officiating side of the game.”

The Tom Beard Football Officials Clinic begins Friday with a keynote address by longtime NFL referee Jerry Markbreit. LODP members will receive classroom and on-field instruction from current and former officials and supervisors from all levels of football, including members of the Super Bowl 50 officiating crew: Head Linesman Wayne Mackie, Field Judge Boris Cheek and Side Judge Scott Edwards.

NFL Player Engagement and the NFL Football Officiating Academy partnered to select the following players to participate: