NFL announces referees for Super Bowl LIX: Ron Torbert will be the main referee

The NFL has announced the roster of officials that will be in charge of Super Bowl LIX, scheduled for February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. What is unusual about this selection is that only two of the eight referees have previous experience in the league's most important game, making this appointment one of the most unusual in recent years.

Ron Torbert will lead the officiating team
The head referee will be Ron Torbert, a veteran NFL official who already has experience in the Super Bowl, having participated in the LVI edition, where the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals. At 61 years old, Torbert is not only an experienced referee, but also a lawyer, with a law degree from Michigan State and a doctorate in law from Harvard.

The other member of the team with previous experience in a Super Bowl is side judge Boris Cheek, who has been part of the XLII, 50 and LIV editions.

Rookie officials in Super Bowl LIX
The rest of the roster is made up of officials who will be making their debut in the duel for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. These are:

Mike Morton (Umpire): Former NFL player, who won Super Bowl XXXIV as a member of the Rams.
Max Causey (Down Judge)
Mark Stewart (Line Judge)
Mearl Robinson (Field Judge)
Jonah Monroe (Back Judge)
Kevin Brown (Replay Official)
Morton's inclusion is particularly notable, as he not only brings experience as an official, but also as a former player, a rare case in the NFL.

A Super Bowl with questions
Although the officiating team was selected for its performance during the season, the fact that most of them have not participated in a Super Bowl before raises questions about how they will handle the pressure of such a momentous stage.

The NFL has come under fire in the past for officiating decisions in big games, so this appointment represents a big challenge for rookie officials.

On the Road to Super Bowl LIX
Meanwhile, the Conference Finals are set. In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills are chasing a ticket to New Orleans, while in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders are fighting for the same goal.

Super Bowl LIX promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, both on and off the field, with the eyes of the world on every play and, now, every officiating call as well.