The Indianapolis Colts are taking on the Houston Texans in a Week 1 rematch from last season, where the Texans barely edged out the Colts to keep them out of the playoffs. 2023 ended in heartbreak for Colts fans, with a down-to-the-wire loss that left them with a 9-8 record and crowned the Texans as AFC South champions. With the Texans' 10-7 record, they barely managed to emerge victorious, yet they're widely assumed to be the frontrunner for AFC South champions again.
Though the Texans are already presumed to come out on top Sunday, the Colts are looking for an upset - to avenge their loss last season, break their Week 1 losing streak, and upset the pro-Texans narrative.
As we just saw with the Ravens-Chiefs game, the referees can have a major effect on the final score. (Just ask Ravens fans.) So who will be the refs in charge on Sunday? And who will be calling the game?
Game Info:
- Game day: Sunday, September 8, 2024
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Stadium: Lucas Oil Stadium
Announcers for Colts vs. Texans:
- Andrew Catalon: Lead Play-by-Play Announcer
- Jason McCourty: Color Commentator
- Tiki Barber: Color Commentator
- AJ Ross: Sideline Reporter
The lead play-by-play announcer narrates the action live, give descriptions of the plays, and essentially, serve as the eyes and ears of the game for fans. They need to have strong knowledge of the game, be able to react quickly and improvise as needed, and also explain what's going on in a way that many people, of all knowledge levels, can understand.
The color commentator is meant to complement the play-by-play announcer, often using their own expertise to give further analysis and insight into the game. Often a former coach or player, they will typically fill in the time between plays with stories, anecdotes, and experiences from their time playing.
The sideline reporter is, quite literally, an on-the-ground reporter. They will conduct interviews with coaches and players, give injury reports, and other updates regarding the game from the field.
Referees for Colts vs. Texans:
John Hussey (Head Referee)
- Tony Michalek: Umpire
- Max Causey: Down Judge
- Carl Johnson: Line Judge
- Anthony Flemming: Field Judge
- Allen Baynes: Side Judge
- Matt Edwards: Back Judge
There are seven officials on the field during an NFL game. In addition to the head referee, there is an umpire, down judge, line judge, field judge, side judge, and back judge, with the head referee having final say on how plays are called.
Hussey began his NFL career as a line judge in 2002, and officiated Super Bowl XLV in 2011. He was promoted to referee in 2015.