Gene Steratore facts for kids

Eugene Joseph Steratore (born February 8, 1963) is a well-known American sports official. He worked as a referee in the National Football League (NFL) for many years. He also officiated NCAA college basketball games. After retiring from officiating, he became a rules expert for CBS Sports. He helps explain tricky calls during football and basketball games.

Steratore joined the NFL in 2003 as a field judge. This is a type of official who helps make sure the game follows the rules. He became a main referee in 2006. He wore uniform number 114. He was chosen to be the alternate referee for Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. Later, he was the main referee for Super Bowl LII in 2018. This was his last game as an NFL official.

Gene Steratore was one of only two NFL referees who also officiated NCAA Division I men's basketball games.

Gene Steratore's Career as an Official

His Time in the NFL

Steratore sometimes had to take over as referee during games. For example, in 2003, he stepped in when the main referee, Bernie Kukar, got hurt. This happened during a game between the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants.

He worked his first NFL playoff game in 2009. This was a game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers. A year later, he refereed another playoff game. This was when the Baltimore Ravens played the New England Patriots.

Memorable Moments and Calls

Steratore was part of a famous play in 2010. It happened during a game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. Lions receiver Calvin Johnson caught what looked like a winning touchdown. But after a review, Steratore changed the call. He ruled that Johnson did not fully control the ball as he fell to the ground. This decision led to a rule often called the "Calvin Johnson rule." It helps explain what a complete catch is.

In 2012, Steratore was chosen for an important game. He was the first referee to officiate after a lockout of NFL referees ended. The fans in Baltimore cheered for him and his crew.

He also refereed the NFC Championship game in 2014. This was a big game between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.

Another famous moment happened in 2015. Steratore was the referee for a playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant made a catch that was later overturned. This was also due to the "Calvin Johnson rule." The ball touched the ground before Bryant finished the catch.

In 2017, Steratore made a very unusual call. During a game between the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders, he used an index card. He placed the card on the ball to see if the Cowboys had reached the first down line. He ruled that they had, which helped Dallas win the game.

His final game as an NFL referee was Super Bowl LII.

Retirement and New Role

Gene Steratore announced his retirement from the NFL in June 2018. He was one of four referees to retire that year.

After retiring, he joined CBS Sports. He became a rules analyst. This means he explains the rules and calls during games. He provides his expert opinion for NFL games, college football, and college basketball. He also works on the March Madness tournament. It is not common for networks to have a rules analyst for basketball or college football.

Personal Life

Gene Steratore lives in Washington, Pennsylvania. This is a town near Pittsburgh.

His older brother, Tony Steratore, was also an NFL official. Their father, Gene Steratore Sr., was a college football official and basketball referee too.

Outside of their sports careers, Gene and his brother own a business together. It is called Steratore Sanitary Supply.