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.
