The Seahawks and 49ers have delivered no shortage of memorable battles over the years, and Saturday night’s meeting carries even more weight as just the third postseason clash between the rivals. With every play magnified in a game of this magnitude, details matter. That makes it fitting for one of the NFL’s most experienced referees to be assigned to officiate the Divisional Round showdown.
Who are the Referees for Saturday night’s game?
Veteran John Hussey was assigned to referee Saturday’s game in Seattle by the NFL. Hussey is in his 24th season in the NFL, 11th season as a head referee, and is officiating his 19th career postseason game. His previous playoff experience includes seven Wild Card games, seven Divisional games, four Conference Championships, and Super Bowl XLV.
According to NFL Penalties, Hussey’s crew threw only 219 flags the entire season, which ranks in the bottom three among NFL referees; on average, that was just 13.69 flags per game.
Penalties have been called sparingly when Hussey’s crew is officiating, but when they are called, false start and offensive holding are the leading infractions. Defensive pass interference is a close third before a steep drop-off.
Hussey has officiated two 49ers games this season, both of which San Francisco came out victorious.
The first game was a matchup between the 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. That game saw 10 penalties thrown, resulting in a 5-5 split in distribution. The 49ers won that game in a 16-15 final.
The following game, Hussey’s crew officiated for San Francisco, came in Week 9 against the New York Giants. A total of 11 penalties were called, with yet another relatively even split. Six penalties were called against the 49ers, and five were called against the Giants. The 49ers also won that game with a 34-24 final.
The 49ers are tied for the fewest penalized teams in the NFL, alongside Seattle, which ranks in the top 10 in the league.
In their Week 18 matchup, the two teams committed a combined eight penalties. Bill Vinovich officiated the game, and his crew called the fourth-most penalties in the league. So fans can expect more disciplined football and fewer yellow flags flying, especially with Hussey’s crew.
Here is the whole officiating crew for Saturday night’s Divisional matchup:
- Referee:Â John Hussey
- Umpire:Â Roy Ellison
- Down Judge:Â Danny Short
- Line Judge: Tim Podraza
- Field Judge: Nate Jones
- Side Judge:Â Boris Cheek
- Back Judge:Â Martin Hankins
- Replay Official:Â Matt Sumstine
- Replay Assistant: Brian Davies
Saturday’s high-stakes Divisional game is set for 8 p.m. ET at Lumen Field.
