Official Named for Lions-Commanders Matchup Presents Issue

Lions draw flag-happy crew for Divisional Round matchup.

NFL referee Ron Torbert. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders' Divisional Round matchup will be officiated by Ron Torbert.

An NFL official since 2010 and a lead referee since 2014, Torbert has local ties as a graduate of Michigan State University. In his time as a lead official, he has officiated just three Lions games. Most recently, he presided over the Lions' 34-23 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 11, 2022.

The Lions are 1-2 in games with Torbert as the lead official, with the other two games being a loss to Carolina in 2020 and a loss to Atlanta in 2021.

Torbert's crew has been one of the most flag-happy in the league, as it ranks fourth in the league in total flags with 284. His crew has thrown 50 flags for offensive holding, 41 for false starts and 21 for defensive pass interference, according to NFLPenalties.com.

His count for defensive pass interference is tied for fifth in the league. The 50 offensive holding penalties rank tied for third.

Among the games he's reffed with the most penalties called include Seattle vs. Buffalo in Week 8 (24), Cleveland vs. Miami in Week 17 (20) and Washington vs. Tennessee in Week 13 (19). The Commanders defeated the Titans in the only game they've played with Torbert's crew as the lead officiating crew.

He has experience reffing on the biggest stage, as he officiated Super Bowl LVI. Torbert has reffed one playoff game each of the last two seasons, and has officiated nine total postseason contests.

Update: Torbert's officiating statistics on NFLPenalties.com have changed to reflect 273 total flags thrown, with 49 being for offensive holding, 38 for false start and 19 for defensive pass interference. He ranks fourth in the league in total flags thrown, fourth in holding penalties called and eighth in defensive pass interference flags as a result of the update.

Additional reading

1.) Campbell: 'We're in the Middle of the Circus'

2.) Early Storylines For Lions Playoff Matchup Against Commanders

3.) St. Brown Giving Away Playoff Tickets After Bakery Makes Life-Size Cake