For the first time in NFL history, an all-Black officiating crew will officiate an NFL game.
The historic occasion will take place on November 23 when the Los Angeles Rams visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN).
The seven-person crew will be led by referee Jerome Boger, a 17-year veteran NFL official, and include:
- Barry Anderson – Umpire – 14-year NFL official
- Anthony Jeffries – Side Judge – 3-year NFL official
- Carl Johnson – Line Judge – 17-year NFL official
- Julian Mapp – Down Judge – 12-year NFL official
- Dale Shaw – Field Judge – 8-year NFL official
- Greg Steed – Back Judge – 18-year NFL official
“This historic Week 11 crew is a testament to the countless and immeasurable contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game,” said Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
Five of the officials work together regularly, with Anderson, Mapp, Shaw, and Jeffries part of Boger’s crew. Johnson and Steed will join the group for Monday’s game.
In 2020, the NFL assigned crews based on geography, in an effort to limit travel. Crew assignment guidelines have also been relaxed in the current environment to assign officials to games closer to their homes when feasible.
Boger became just the third Black referee in NFL history when he was promoted from his position as line judge in 2006, with Johnny Grier being the first at the start of the 1988 NFL season.
“I am proud of my heritage and excited about my participation in this historic game,” Boger said. “The opportunity to work with a great group of Black officials and exhibit our proficiency in executing our assignment is something I am really looking forward to."
A look back in history:Burl Toler paved the way. In 1965, after beginning his officiating career working college games in the San Francisco Bay Area, the NFL hired Toler as a head linesman — making him the first Black official in any major professional sports league.Lean more about Toler.
Five Black officials were a part of the Super Bowl LIV crew – including Anderson, Johnson, and Steed – the most minority officials ever on a Super Bowl officiating crew. Boger was the referee for Super Bowl XLVII to conclude the 2012 season.
The Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Buccaneers kick off at 8:15pm ET on Monday, November 23, 2020 on ESPN.
