NFL official reflects on job, life at Rotary
A National Football League official discussed the unique aspects of his job and the life lessons one can learn from the sport Wednesday.
NFL referee Walt Coleman answered questions, told stories and reflected on his job during National Park Rotary Club’s meeting at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa. With his rowdy demeanor, Coleman kept the club’s members both entertained and informed.
“Based on what I do on Sunday afternoons, I’m not used to getting a warm introduction,” Coleman said, after receiving applause. He then led the audience in a round of boos to create an atmosphere he felt more comfortable speaking in.
Coleman’s career as an NFL referee has spanned the careers of greats such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Jerome Bettis. With nearly 30 years of serving in the league, he is the senior NFL referee in terms of years served.
Coleman said because of the sport’s many positions — some of which are more glamorous than others —
football is a good analogy for life. He explained how everyone is put in unique positions, and how you must understand the importance of what your job is in life.
“How good is the team gonna be if number 62 doesn’t know he’s important?” Coleman said, noting some football players never touch the ball and only receive attention if they earn a penalty. “Don’t forget how important it is to do what you do.”
Coleman then explained some of the differences between college and professional football, particularly the aspect of game time. He noted the average length of a NCAA game is three hours and 24 minutes long, while the average NFL game is three hours and four minutes long.
Coleman said, on average, an NCAA football game is able to have more plays. He said football games played in the Big 12 conference have an average of 200 plays, while the NFL averages 157.
During audience questions, Coleman said he and his fellow officials “love” instant replay because it gives them a chance to “get it right.” He said conflict of interest among officials is minimal because most of them have decent full-time livings away from the NFL.
Coleman said he was officiating the coin toss in Candlestick Park in San Francisco, and the 49ers, who were playing at home, won the toss and got to decide which direction they would like to receive the kickoff.
A 49ers lineman said his team would like to receive the ball “at the south goal” of Candlestick Park. Coleman admitted he had no idea which direction was south, so he turned off his microphone and asked the players.
Ever since that game, Coleman said he has always made sure he knows which direction each goal is facing.
Coleman also noted how in his profession — or in football — people often only pay attention when a mistake is made. He said this is similar to life, and encouraged his audience to stay optimistic.
“We’ve just got to remember that when the negative things start, that we can make a difference,” he said.