7 NFL officials intend to opt-out this season

It isn’t just NFL players who are opting out of the 2020 NFL season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven NFL officials are opting out of the season per source.

The list does not include any referees. There are two replay officials and five on-field officials. The officials had to make their decision on opting out by Thursday.

Seven is ironically the number of officials it takes to operate a football game so this won’t put too much of a damper on things going forward with a small number to replace. There are still 114 active officials on the NFL roster. They plan to hire extras to be able to handle a potential COVID-19 outbreak among crews per reports from ESPN and NFL Network.

Will NFL officials still get paid?

The officials who are opting out will still receive a $30,000 stipend and a 2021 job guarantee. While that seems like a lot of money for not working, it is drastically less than the average salary of $205,000 per year. In addition to their salary, NFL officials get an annual 401k contribution of $18,000.

In comparison, 66 players opted out of the 2020 NFL season. NFL players who opted out will receive a $150,00 stipend unless they are considered high risk. In that case, they are eligible for a $350,000 stipend.

Dominique Clare
Dominique Clare

Dominique Clare is a sportswriter, fitness coach, and founder of Sports and Fitness Digest. He specializes in NFL analysis, sports performance metrics, and strength training. His work helps readers break down football data and apply elite training principles to everyday life.

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