Most Controversial Referee Calls That Almost Broke the NFL
Referees have an incredibly tough job, and a little negligence can alter the course of NFL history. It’s their responsibility to keep the game fair, but there have been instances where their decisions left players, coaches, and fans furious. Over the years, a handful of such controversial calls have not only influenced the result of games but have also sparked debates that continue to this day. Let’s recall these missed penalties and doubtful touchdowns and see how much power referees hold in shaping the league’s history.
The Immaculate Reception – 1972
Credit: Reddit
One of the most debated plays in NFL history, Franco Harris’ famous “Immaculate Reception” helped the Steelers win a playoff game against the Raiders. However, many argue the ball touched an ineligible player before Harris caught it, which would have made the play illegal. To this day, opinions remain split on whether the call was correct.
Ray “Sugar Bear” Hamilton’s Roughing the Passer Call – 1976
Credit: X
In a playoff game between the Patriots and Raiders, defensive lineman Ray Hamilton was flagged for a highly questionable roughing-the-passer penalty on Kenny Stabler. The call gave the Raiders another chance to score and ultimately win the game.
The Non-Fumble Call – 1977 AFC Championship
Credit: Facebook
During the 1977 AFC Championship, Denver Broncos’ Rob Lytle fumbled near the goal line, but referees ruled that the ball had not been lost. The mistake allowed the Broncos to keep possession and ultimately led to a touchdown. Fans and players alike were outraged, believing the call changed the outcome of the game.
Mike Renfro’s Touchdown That Wasn’t – 1979 AFC Championship
Credit: X
Houston Oilers receiver Mike Renfro caught a touchdown pass in the AFC Championship, but referees ruled it incomplete. Replays showed that he had possession, but at the time, there was no review system in place to overturn it. The Oilers lost the game, and the missed call remains one of the most talked-about errors in playoff history.
Illegal Snowplowing – 1982
Credit: Facebook
In a blizzard-like setting, a New England Patriots staff member used a snowplow to clear a spot for the kicker just before a game-winning field goal against the Miami Dolphins. This should have resulted in a penalty, but referees let it slide. The Dolphins were furious, and this incident remains one of the most bizarre moments in NFL history.
The Vinny Testaverde Phantom Touchdown – 1998
Credit: Reddit
The New York Jets needed a touchdown to beat the Seattle Seahawks, and quarterback Vinny Testaverde made a push for the end zone. Replays showed he was clearly short, but the referees mistakenly ruled it a touchdown. The blown call directly impacted the game and later contributed to the NFL adopting instant replay review.
Jerry Rice’s Non-Fumble – 1998 Wild Card Round
Credit: Reddit
In a game between the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers, Jerry Rice fumbled after a catch, but officials missed it. Instead of the Packers recovering, the 49ers retained possession and later won the game. The mistake led to more criticism of officiating consistency in high-stakes games.
The Jerome Bettis Coin Toss Mix-Up – 1998
Credit: Youtube
A coin toss should be straightforward, but during a Thanksgiving game, Jerome Bettis called “heads,” only for referee Phil Luckett to mishear it and give possession to the opposing team. The botched decision contributed to the NFL’s implementation of electronic communication for coin tosses.
Bert Emanuel’s Non-Reception – 1999 NFC Championship
Credit: Reddit
In a critical playoff matchup, Buccaneers receiver Bert Emanuel appeared to make a clean catch, but officials ruled it incomplete. The call cost Tampa Bay a key chance to advance to the Super Bowl. The controversy was so significant that it led to a rule change regarding catches in the NFL.
Music City Miracle – 2000 AFC Wild Card
Credit: Facebook
The Tennessee Titans pulled off a stunning last-second kickoff return touchdown against the Buffalo Bills, but many believe the lateral that started the play was actually an illegal forward pass. Despite heated protests, officials upheld the call, and the Titans advanced.
The 2002 Wild Card Game Mishap – Giants vs. 49ers
Credit: Reddit
During a chaotic final play, Giants lineman Rich Seubert was tackled while trying to catch a pass. This should have been a pass interference penalty, but referees instead called an illegal man downfield on the Giants. The missed call prevented the Giants from getting another field goal attempt and cost them the game.
Super Bowl XL Officiating – 2006
Credit: Reddit
Super Bowl XL between the Seahawks and Steelers is widely criticized for its officiating. Several questionable calls, including a phantom holding penalty and a disputed touchdown, heavily favored Pittsburgh. Many Seahawks fans still believe these calls cost them a championship.
The Brett Favre Non-Penalty – 2009 NFC Championship
Credit: Reddit
Vikings quarterback Brett Favre took a brutal late hit in the NFC Championship, but the referees didn’t call a penalty. The Saints went on to win, and the game became one of the key reasons the NFL later emphasized protecting quarterbacks.
Fail Mary – 2012
Credit: Youtube
The NFL had replacement referees due to a labor dispute during the 2012 season. In a game between the Packers and Seahawks, a last-second Hail Mary pass resulted in what looked like a clear interception. However, referees awarded the touchdown to Seattle, leading to an uproar and the immediate return of regular NFL officials.
NFL Refs Avoid Scrutiny After Chiefs’ Controversial Calls – 2025
Credit: Reddit
In the 2025 AFC Championship, referee Clete Blakeman made calls that favored the Chiefs. Josh Allen appeared to get a first down, but officials ruled otherwise. A questionable catch by Xavier Worthy also stood. Fans demanded answers, but since no postgame interview was requested, Blakeman avoided explaining the calls.