The NFL's collective bargaining agreement came into effect earlier this month, and one NFL legend has shown his support for the changes.

Former Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, expressing optimism about the change.

"I do also like accountability," he said in the clip shared by Pat McAfee on X. "One big thing, like accountability, one big thing that we have to focus on is trying to find and make sure that we are incentivizing new officials to train and grow into their roles."

While the complete details of the agreement are not publicly available, one public detail is that the NFL will move underperforming referees to the UFL. In the last few years, the UFL has been the unofficial developmental league for the NFL. That's why this move seems like a way to send referees to a smaller league as a result of underperforming.

While discussing the decision, NFL VP of officiating training and development Ramon George told ESPN, "I think it is going to create competition amongst the officials from top to bottom."

For J.J. Watt, it has been a change he has been asking for a while. Ever since he retired, Watt has publicly called out refereeing in the league.

Back in 2023, he reshared a clip from the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants game, in which the Bills were gifted a first down after Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke was given a roughing-the-passer penalty. However, the replay showed that Okereke had made no contact with Bills quarterback Josh Allen, yet he received the penalty.

At the time, Watt talked about the need for transparency and more accountability regarding the consequences, and with this new agreement, it can turn into reality.

However, Watt also believes that there needs to be a system in place for new referees.

J.J. Watt has a suggestion for the NFL

Watt also discussed a move that works in tandem with moving referees to the UFL on The Pat McAfee Show.

"Because if we were relegating officials to the UFL, which I do like, there is accountability. You have to make sure that you have a pipeline of people that can fill in and potentially do a better job. We don't want to just be bringing up somebody who is not nearly as qualified as knocking down somebody who failed at the top level," he added.

The CBA has taken this into account as well. The NFL Referees Association has plans to move some practice squad members to take part in regular-season games to develop them. Officials will also be accessible for formal training program during minicamps, training camps and joint practices.

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Written by

Ankita Yadav

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar