NFL mulls allowing replay officials to throw flags - ESPN

ESPN

by Mike Reiss and Kevin Seifert

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The NFL competition committee is exploring a significant change to its officiating practices by considering whether replay officials should be allowed to throw flags for specific penalties, particularly focusing on non-football acts that have gone unpunished by on-field referees. This proposal comes in response to instances where missed calls could impact game outcomes, such as the Super Bowl incident involving Stefon Diggs and Josh Jobe, and Derick Hall's actions against Kevin Dotson, which later led to his suspension. Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations, acknowledged the hesitancy around this change but suggested it could be a potential first step in improving officiating. He emphasized the need to carefully define "non-football acts" to avoid overcomplicating the system. The idea has faced resistance from NFL owners in the past, who worry about replacing the judgment of on-field officials with replay reviewers. Vincent admitted his own reservations but noted that this approach could be implemented gradually to assess its effectiveness. He also referenced concerns about real-time decision-making and the potential for confusion during games, especially with legalized sports betting adding another layer of scrutiny. This proposal reflects the NFL's ongoing efforts to enhance game integrity and address fan concerns about missed calls. While the change would mark a departure from traditional officiating methods, it aligns with the league's commitment to transparency and fair play. If adopted, it could lead to more accurate penalties and fewer disputes over critical plays, ultimately benefiting both players and fans by ensuring that games are called fairly. The discussion also touched on other topics, including safety improvements in special teams plays, such as kickoff returns. NFL officials highlighted the reduced injury rates from recent rule changes but acknowledged the need for continued refinement. However, the focus remains on finding ways to make the game safer while maintaining its competitive integrity. Ultimately, this potential shift in officiating authority could have far-reaching implications for how games are managed and perceived by fans. It underscores the NFL's commitment to evaluating new approaches to ensure fairness and consistency on the field, which is a priority for both players and viewers alike.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/24/2026