CBS’s NFL Rules Expert Apologizes for Being Totally Wrong About Key Play in Packers-Broncos Game

Gene Steratore owned up to misinterpreting an important Green Bay touchdown.

Gene Steratore, CBS's go-to football rules analyst, is a man for all seasons. From 2003-17, the Uniontown, Pa. native was one of the NFL's most recognizable referees — while also working contemporaneously as a college basketball official for over two decades.

However, as any sports fan or official knows, even the most experienced adjudicators get a call wrong now and again. Steratore did so during the Broncos' 19-17 win over the Packers on Sunday, and jumped on social media to own up to his mistake.

With 1:54 left in the third quarter, Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love found wide receiver Romeo Doubs in the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown. Doubs wrestled the ball away from Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain II to make the catch, and Steratore initially believed Surtain had picked it off.

No matter what you do, owning up and taking accountability is how you get better. My interpretation of the play in #GBvsDEN was incorrect. I overthought it and just missed it.

As a ref (whether grade school or pro), you learn the most from the <5% of calls that you miss. https://t.co/V3exK1hYyL

— Gene Steratore (@GeneSteratore) October 24, 2023

By Tuesday morning, Steratore saw the play differently.

"No matter what you do, owning up and taking accountability is how you get better. My interpretation of the play in (Packers-Broncos) was incorrect. I overthought it and just missed it. As a ref (whether grade school or pro), you learn the most from the <5% of calls that you miss," Steratore wrote.

The touchdown kick-started a Packers comeback that wound up for naught when Broncos kicker Wil Lutz booted a go-ahead 52-yard field goal with 3:50 to play.

Get up to $100 from SI Sportsbook in Colorado, Michigan and Virginia

Bet $5 on FanDuel and get $200 in Bonus Bets if not in those states