NFL to Address Safety of Umpires After Season

Two NFL sources have told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Competition Committee will look at ways to improve the safety of the umpires-who stand behind the linebackers when the football is snapped-after the season

A collision between player and official last Monday during the game between the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos was exactly the type of incident the NFL is concerned with, as San Diego safety Steve Gregory hit umpire Butch Hannah. Ultimately, referees could be equipped with helmets like the players themselves, or be moved to an area of the field farther away from danger. If they do wind up wearing helmets, they reportedly could be similar to the ear-flap helmets currently worn by Major League Baseball players.