Replay Officials May Gain Limited Flag Authority
The NFL Competition Committee has discussed potential rule adjustments that could take effect as early as the 2026 season. Among the proposals is a measure that would allow replay officials to throw penalty flags for certain fouls that were missed or uncalled during live play.
NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said conversations have focused primarily on “non-football acts” that go unpenalized on the field. He emphasized that any change would likely be narrowly defined rather than a broad expansion of replay authority.
“You don’t want to just be expanding the Pandora’s box,” Vincent said, according to ESPN, adding that the language around non-football acts could be tightened as a first step.
Super Bowl Incident Cited as Example
Vincent referenced an altercation during Super Bowl LX between Seattle Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe and New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs. After a play ended near the sideline, Jobe pushed Diggs out of bounds, leading to a scuffle in which Jobe appeared to strike Diggs’ helmet.
No flag was thrown during the game, but Jobe was later fined a combined $18,444 for two separate infractions. The episode has been cited as an example of conduct that could potentially fall under expanded replay review authority.
Some team owners have previously resisted granting replay officials the ability to throw flags, arguing that it could undermine on-field referees. Vincent also acknowledged concerns about timing and transparency, particularly in an era of legalized sports betting, where delayed penalties could create confusion for fans and bettors alike.
Shoulder Pad Standards Under Review
In addition to replay discussions, the committee examined possible equipment changes in response to a rise in shoulder injuries. NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller noted that injury rates have been higher than average in recent seasons.
The league is studying whether modern shoulder pads, which often provide less coverage than designs from a decade ago, could be contributing to increased injury risk. Players frequently customize padding for mobility and comfort, potentially reducing protective coverage.
Miller suggested that equipment-related adjustments may warrant further attention as the league continues its safety initiatives.
Potential Impact for 2026 Season
If approved, the rule and equipment changes could alter both officiating procedures and player appearance on the field. The Competition Committee is expected to refine proposals before presenting them to team owners for consideration.
Any changes would reflect the league’s ongoing effort to balance game integrity, player safety and the evolving expectations of fans and stakeholders.
