1st & 25

A look at some stories from the 2025 season and how Shawn Smith's crew handled the big game

Conference Championship edition

Can one be a catch and the other an interception?

A look at the Wild Card Playoffs and the Quarterfinal and Semifinal bowl games

3-time Super Bowl referee Bernie Kukar is our guest this week

The Sugar Bowl had the longest second in sports in recent memory

As the NFL season wraps up, we take a look at how playoff assignments take shape

Taking a closer look at what is "clear and obvious"

Plus, packing up after the season is done and another Hall of Fame snub

Plus, reining in a game that gets out in front of the crew

On this episode of the 1st & 25 podcast, we get ready for Thanksgiving by talking about high school rivalries that play on Thanksgiving morning that don’t count in the standings, but are must-win games. Our own Pat Weber shared his experience as the referee for the Chicago’s storied Prep Bowl, and who he worked that game with and an officiating legend who shares his unique legacy. We also took a look at how referee Phil Luckett has been maligned for decades for a seemingly botched coin toss on Thanksgiving. As we have said for many years, Phil Luckett was right, even […]

When officials get knocked down, a penalty must be enforced

Plus, regional mechanics in high school become evident in postseason

Plus, quick takes on missed false starts, intentional grounding, and an unfortunate 5th down

Also, a tush-push fumble didn't happen, and the replay assist function raised some questions

We also covered pass interference and end-of-game fouls

A failed trick play, a game suspended early, and when a huge mistake is made

Also substitution tactics are getting scrutiny

Reviewing penalty options, celebrating too soon, and broadcasters who know the rules

The crew discusses presnap mechanics for substitutions and ball spotting

A missed call escalates the discussion on banning the short-yardage play

In the season premiere, we look at a quick disqualification and knocking off the rust in that first game

In the season finale, we look at Super Bowl LIX, the 2024 season, and what's ahead in the 2025 offseason.

We take a look at the possibility of a palpably unfair act in the NFL, the failed 4th & 1 in the AFC Championship Game, and the Super Bowl LIX crew.

Postseason football is underway as we look at the