Super Bowl LX officiating crew announced: Referee Shawn Smith set for historic debut
The NFL has officially revealed the officiating crew for Super Bowl LX, with Shawn Smith selected to referee the biggest game of the 2025 season. The championship showdown will take place on Sunday, February 8, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and marks a major career milestone for Smith, who will make his first on-field Super Bowl appearance.
Shawn Smith’s path to the Super Bowl
Smith is currently in his 11th NFL season and his eighth year as a referee, having steadily risen through the league’s officiating ranks. This assignment represents his 11th career postseason game, but his first Super Bowl as the crew chief. During the current playoffs, Smith officiated the New England Patriots’ Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans, a performance that further strengthened his credentials ahead of the league’s final appointment.
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Full Super Bowl 60 Officiating Crew
Smith will be supported by an experienced group of officials, blending Super Bowl veterans with first-time participants:
- Referee: Shawn Smith (Super Bowl debut)
- Umpire: Roy Ellison (third Super Bowl)
- Side Judge: Eugene Hall (third Super Bowl)
- Back Judge: Greg Steed (second Super Bowl)
- Down Judge: Dana McKenzie (second Super Bowl)
- Line Judge: Julian Mapp (Super Bowl debut)
- Field Judge: Jason Ledet (Super Bowl debut)
- Replay Official: Andrew Lambert (Super Bowl debut)
The selection reflects the NFL’s emphasis on postseason consistency, experience and performance grading throughout the regular season and playoffs.
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What’s at stake on Super Bowl Night
Super Bowl 60 will feature the AFC champion, either the New England Patriots or Denver Broncos, against the NFC champion, with the Los Angeles Rams or Seattle Seahawks emerging from the conference title game.
With championship pressure at its highest, the officiating crew will play a crucial role in managing the game’s tempo, maintaining discipline and ensuring fair competition on football’s grandest stage.
NFL’s approach to Super Bowl officiating
Super Bowl assignments are among the league’s most selective honours, awarded based on performance evaluations, playoff experience and adherence to NFL officiating standards.
For Shawn Smith, the Super Bowl LX appointment not only represents personal recognition but also places him at the centre of one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.
As Super Bowl 60 approaches, attention will inevitably focus on the players and coaches, but the officiating crew will quietly shoulder immense responsibility. With Shawn Smith leading the way in his Super Bowl debut, the NFL signals confidence in a referee who has earned his moment on the sport’s biggest stage.
Stay with SportsLigue for continued Super Bowl coverage, officiating analysis and full game-day breakdowns as the countdown to Super Bowl LX continues.
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