NFL referee Don Willard will make history on Sunday. He will referee two games in the same day, becoming the first NFL referee to do so.
Video above: Boston researchers share new estimate of CTE in former NFL players
Willard will begin his day in Indianapolis, Indiana, officiating the Miami Dolphins’ game against the Indianapolis Colts. This match starts at 1 p.m.
He will then travel 109 miles to Cincinnati for the Sunday Night Football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.
The marathon day is happening because of Friday’s Federal Aviation Administration ground shutdown that halted flights nationwide. Thousands of flights were affected by the nearly five-hour ground stop, leaving passengers stranded.
In a statement, the NFL said: “Due to the continued impact of nationwide air travel this weekend, the NFL has adjusted its referee assignments for Week 10 games, reassigning officials to games within driving distance of their hometowns. The changes will require three alternate referees – referees Barry Anderson and Duane Heydt and side judge Don Willard – to work as referees in the following games: Carolina-New Orleans – Duane Heydt: Jacksonville-Tennessee – Barry Anderson: Miami-Indianapolis and Pittsburgh-Cincinnati: Don Willard Each of the league’s 17 officiating crews has an identified alternate official, and that individual trains throughout the year to work as an official if the need arises.
According to Bleacher Report, Willard will arrive at Lucas Oil Stadium at 10 a.m. By 4 p.m., the Dolphins-Colts game should be over. He is expected to leave central Indiana around 5:30 p.m. to head south to Ohio. He will arrive at Paycor Stadium at 7:20 p.m. for the 8:20 p.m. kickoff between the Bengals and Steelers.
This match should be over at 11:30 p.m. and he should leave the stadium around 12:15 a.m.
Willard has been an NFL official for nine seasons.
Gn sports
