When most people think of the NFL, they immediately think of the players and coaches on the field, but there is an often overlooked group of individuals that play a huge role in the success of the league: referees. NFL referees are some of the highest-paid officials in professional sports, and they are responsible for ensuring that the rules of the game are followed and that the players, coaches, and fans enjoy an exciting and fair game. So, what do NFL refs make? We’ll take a look at their salaries, bonuses, and other benefits.
Base Salaries
NFL referees are paid a base salary for officiating games. The base salary for an NFL referee is $205,000, which is significantly higher than the base salary for other sports officials in professional sports. While the base salary for an NFL referee is higher than that of other sports, it is still much lower than the salaries for the players on the field. However, NFL referees can make up for the difference through bonuses and other benefits.
Game Bonuses
In addition to their base salary, NFL referees are also eligible for game bonuses. For each game they officiate, they are eligible to receive a bonus of up to $8,000. This bonus is paid out based on the performance of the referee and the number of penalties called during the game. The higher the number of penalties called and the better the performance of the referee, the higher the bonus.
Postseason Bonuses
In addition to their base salary and game bonuses, NFL referees can also receive postseason bonuses. These bonuses are awarded based on the performance of the referee throughout the season. For example, referees who work the playoffs can receive bonuses of up to $25,000.
Other Benefits
In addition to their salaries and bonuses, NFL referees also receive other benefits. For example, they can receive free tickets to games, free parking, and access to exclusive NFL events. They also have access to discounts on NFL merchandise and are provided with health insurance.
Conclusion
NFL referees are some of the highest-paid officials in professional sports. They are paid a base salary of $205,000, and they are eligible for game and postseason bonuses. They also receive other benefits, such as free tickets to games, free parking, and access to exclusive NFL events. The salary of an NFL referee is significantly lower than the salaries of the players on the field, but they can make up for the difference through bonuses and other benefits.