Episode 34: Bernie Kukar

On the latest episode of 1st & 25, we devote the entire discussion to the suspension of referee Adrian Hill and line judge Jeff Seeman. 0:00 Introduction 1:54 Jeff Seeman F-bomb 5:43 There’s an F in field 13:18 Adrian Hill suspension 17:27 Precedent of suspensions TAP HERE TO LISTEN ON YOUR PODCASTING APP

On the premiere episode of the third season of 1st & 25, Ben draws a taunting foul, but fortunately was not ejected from the podcast. 1:15 Retirement of Steve Shaw 3:10 Philosophical questions about the use of replay 5:05 False start on the QB for abrupt movement 7:43 Replay of the clock in Western Michigan-Michigan 17:23 Throwing motion and a passer’s intent TAP HERE TO LISTEN ON YOUR PODCASTING APP

On the season finale of the 1st & 25 podcast, we looked at how Shawn Smith and his all-star crew did in Super Bowl LX. We also discussed the effect of the dynamic kickoffs over the past 2 seasons, how digital measurements worked this year, a plea for an enforcement change on sideline interference, a changing a guard in the NFL officiating elite, and the number of ejections this season. To end the season, we have our all-star crew at the roundtable: Ben Austro, Mark Schultz, Cam Filipe, Chris Seubert, and Pat Weber have the discussion. TAP HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 38 ON YOUR PODCASTING APP Mentioned in this episode The postseason assignments can be found here: Wild Card | Divisional | Conference Championships | Super Bowl LX A list of ejections is maintained by our partner site Quirky Research. What was said between coach Mike Vrabel and side judge Eugene Hall? We have Jomboy to thank for the breakdown. Mike Vrabel tells the referee to wake the fuck up after Stefon Diggs got punched in the helmet, a breakdown pic.twitter.com/b4kvv0OEUz— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) February 9, 2026 This play was a correct no-call by third-year field judge Jason Ledet. LX 4Q | No DPI pic.twitter.com/uLM19AJDbD— fzclips (@fzclips) February 9, 2026

On the Conference Championship edition of the 1st & 25 podcast, we took a look how the all-star crews faired in the title games, what went right, and what went wrong. We also discussed how there were a sizable number of officials that did not earn a playoff assignment, consistent with the numbers last postseason. This reflects a shift that vice president of officiating Ramon George has implemented under his tenure to have increased accountability for officials in earning these assignments. On the flip side, there were a few officials that earned triple assignments in the postseason. This week, it’s our all-star crew at the roundtable: Ben Austro, Mark Schultz, Cam Filipe, Chris Seubert, and Pat Weber have the discussion. TAP HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 37 ON YOUR PODCASTING APP

On this episode of the 1st & 25 podcast, we took a look back at the Divisional Playoffs and the National Championship Game. The process of the catch was debated on social media this week, comparing the calls in two games. Are they identical plays? Also, judging by some of the overtime pass interference calls, did the officials insert themselves into the game? We addressed both topics. And, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, as we reviewed the all-star crews assigned to the Conference Championships and the Super Bowl. We also had some quick takes on officiating a game with a banged-up playoff team, how the bowl games showed possible differences in officiating philosophies, a rare occurrence for line judge Rusty Baynes and side judge Allen Baynes, and the opinion post at Awful Announcing that the rules analyst position should be retired. This week, it’s a full crew: Ben Austro, Mark Schultz, Cam Filipe, Chris Seubert, and Pat Weber have the discussion. TAP HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 36 ON YOUR PODCASTING APP

On this episode of the 1st & 25 podcast, postseason football is in full swing, and we noticed that there was very little said about officiating for the Wild Card Playoffs and the playoff bowl games. We also looked at current NFL system of assigning mixed crews as opposed to placing a regular season crew on each game and why this is the best method of handling playoff assignments. We also look ahead to the Divisional Playoffs and potential assignments for the Conference Championship games and the Super Bowl. This week, Ben Austro, Mark Schultz, and Chris Seubert have the discussion. TAP HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 35 ON YOUR PODCASTING APP

Because of the Wild Card Playoffs, our normal recording schedule for the 1st & 25 podcast has changed this week. We will have an episode with the roundtable later this week. In the meantime, we have a special guest for this episode: 3-time Super Bowl referee and serial raconteur Bernie Kukar. Bernie shared with us his experiences with Super Bowl XXXVI in February 2002, which was under heavy security, being only a few months removed from the September 11 terrorist attacks. Bernie also worked the final game John Elway played in Super Bowl XXXIII. In that game he earned a Super Bowl ring and an unusual promise for a free beer that he cashed in on. He also took us on to the field when he was injured in a late-season game and had to hand his white hat over to future referee Gene Steratore. We also asked him about an on-field discussion with Ravens coach Brian Billick who didn’t realize he was benefiting from the the ruling on the field, to which Bernie hollered words to the effect of, “Billick, you dumb bastard.” Quickly, you will see why Bernie was chosen as our first podcast guest. TAP HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 34 ON YOUR PODCASTING APP Embed from Getty Images

On this episode of the 1st & 25 podcast, we took a look at the crews for the upcoming NFL Wild Card Playoffs and shared our observations on who is working. Also, it was a fairly quiet quarterfinal round in college football for 15 quarters, 14 minutes, and 59 seconds. We take a look at the ending of the Sugar Bowl and address the question posed during the broadcast, “Does common sense prevail here?”. We also took a look at a couple of instances of players contacting officials and some long tenured officials who are retiring. This week, Ben Austro, Mark Schultz, Cam Filipe, and Pat Weber have the discussion. TAP HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 33 ON YOUR PODCASTING APP

On this episode of the 1st & 25 podcast, we get ready for the upcoming NFL postseason. Not including the Super Bowl, what is one of the more challenging assignments? The answer may surprise you. We also took a look at some early penalties in the Steelers-Browns game that seemed to be light and, as was suggested on the broadcast, a make-up call. We set the record straight. Also, we saw the Lions hit with a game-ending offensive pass interference that was questioned by many. Finally, we give praise to one official who has gone above and beyond in restoring order on the field. TAP HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 32 ON YOUR PODCASTING APP

On this episode of the 1st & 25 podcast, we took a closer look at the standards for replay reviews and how, in some unusual rulings, it seems as if we are getting some overly officious rulings. We also discussed the “fourth quarter” of the officiating season at the NFL and the upper college levels, being extra vigilant for pregame activity, an ejection for contacting an official, and how a new rule has some people saying we need to nerf the kicking balls. This week’s discussion included Ben Austro, Mark Schultz, Chris Seubert, and Pat Weber. TAP HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 31 ON YOUR PODCASTING APP