Who are the announcers and referees for the Colts vs. Jets?
The Indianapolis Colts are preparing to battle the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, after losing three games in a row, and having yet another change at quarterback. After Shane Steichen elevated veteran QB Joe Flacco to starter over Anthony Richardson, the youngest quarterback in the league, Steichen initially insisted Flacco would continue to be the team's starter... only to then switch back to Richardson 24 hours later.
Analysts are split on who they believe will win this game; both teams have struggled this season, and while the Jets are only on a two-game losing streak, their overall record is worse than the Colts.
As many who are itching to see the Kansas City Chiefs not make the Super Bowl can say, the referees can make all the difference between a team winning and losing. Who will they be for this game? Read on...
Game Info:
- Game day: Sunday, November 17, 2024
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Rutherford, New Jersey
- Stadium: MetLife Stadium
Announcers for the Colts vs. Jets:
- Andrew Catalon: Play-by-Play Announcer
- Tiki Barber: Analyst
- Jason McCourty: Analyst
- AJ Ross: Sideline Reporter
The play-by-play announcer gives commentary about what's happening on the field. These announcers must have strong knowledge of the game and the ability to explain what's happening in a way that people of different knowledge levels of football can understand.
Analysts provide commentary that complements that of the the play-by-play announcer, often with more in-depth information gained from their own experience. Analysts are often former players or coaches, and can provide insight into what the coaches or players might be thinking or feeling.
Sideline reporters give up-to-the-minute updates on what's happening, typically through interviews with coaches and players during the game.
Referees for the Colts vs. Jets:
Tra Blake (Head Referee)
- Carl Paganelli: Umpire
- Patrick Turner: Down Judge
- Tom Eaton: Line Judge
- Mearl Robinson: Field Judge
- Don Willard: Side Judge
- Grantis Bell: Back Judge
The head referee oversees the other referees on the field during the game, and has the final say on play calling. While the umpire, down judge, line judge, field judge, side judge, and back judge are positioned throughout the field and make calls, the final say on what the play call will be is made by the head referee.
Blake began his career with the Atlantic Coast Conference, XFL, and American Association of Football before joining the NFL in 2020 as a field judge. He then worked as an umpire in 2021 before being promoted to referee in 2022.