For 19 years referee Jerome Boger has been on the field for the NFL, now the referee ends his glorious career – and with him some other referees.

In addition to some NFL players, referees always end their careers in the world’s best football league in the offseason.

Now NFL Officiating has announced that with Jerome Boger one of the best known referees is retiring after 19 seasons. According to ESPN, the 67-year-old was the longest-serving referee in the league.

Boger had once played quarterback at Morehouse College in Atlanta, but then decided to pursue a refereeing career when he realised he would not make it to the next level, according to “boston.com”.

He initially officiated high school games before being assigned to college games – he also worked for NFL Europe.

Four additional officials have announced their retirement. Thank you for your service to the game. https://t.co/OIG9FUa1cI pic.twitter.com/N8pa36Zq47

– NFL Officiating (@NFLOfficiating) March 2, 2023

Super Bowl as a career highlight

In 2004, he took the field for the first time as a lineman in the NFL, becoming a referee after just two seasons. He was in charge for 17 seasons, the biggest game of his career was the Super Bowl between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers in February 2013.

His last game was in week 18 of the last regular season in the duel between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts.

In addition to Boger, other referees are also retiring. Down Judge Jerry Bergman (21 seasons), Line Judge Walt Coleman IV (eight seasons) and Back Judge Steven Patrick (eight seasons) are also ending their careers.