Super Bowl LIX Referee Ron Torbert’s Officiating Trends and Key Penalty Calls

With Ron Torbert set to officiate Super Bowl LIX, we’ve analyzed his penalty trends and key calls that could impact the Chiefs vs Eagles matchup.

What to Expect from Referee Ron Torbert at Super Bowl LIX

NFL officiating is always a major talking point during the Super Bowl, and this year will be no different.

Ron Torbert has been named the referee for Super Bowl LIX, where the Kansas City Chiefs will face the Philadelphia Eagles.

With officiating under constant scrutiny—especially with the perception that the Chiefs benefit from favorable calls—Torbert’s performance will be heavily analyzed.

While the Super Bowl is officiated by an all-star crew rather than a season-long unit, looking at how Torbert’s regular-season crew called games can provide insight into what to expect on February 9, 2025.

Check out our in-depth article for more details on the Super Bowl LIX officiating crew.

Ron Torbert’s Officiating Stats for the 2024 NFL Season

Torbert’s regular-season crew was one of the most active in throwing flags this year.

According to NFLPenalties.com, his team tied for the third-most accepted penalties with 235, totaling 1,958 yards—the third-highest in the league.

Last season, his crew ranked second in penalties called, showing a consistent trend toward high enforcement.

Most Frequently Called Penalties by Torbert’s Crew:

1. Offensive Holding – 49 calls
2. False Start – 41 calls
3. Defensive Pass Interference – 20 calls

These are also the most common penalties league-wide, but their frequency under Torbert suggests a tightly officiated game.

Roughing the Passer and Delay of Game: Key Calls to Watch

With Patrick Mahomes under center for the Chiefs, roughing the passer penalties could be a flashpoint.

Torbert’s crew averaged 0.47 roughing calls per game, above the league average of 0.35. Any such call in the Super Bowl—especially one favoring Kansas City—will generate controversy.

Another penalty worth noting is delay of game. Kansas City committed the fewest delays in the league, yet Torbert’s crew called 0.76 delay penalties per game, well above the 0.61 league average. If game management issues arise, this could play a role.

Ron Torbert’s History in Big Games

Torbert has previously officiated crucial NFL games, and his calls have been pivotal in defining outcomes.

• AFC Championship Game (2023): Called the late-hit penalty on Bengals DE Joseph Ossai for shoving Mahomes out of bounds, leading to the Chiefs’ game-winning field goal.
• Super Bowl LVI: Flagged Bengals LB Logan Wilson for defensive holding on a critical third-and-goal play, setting up the Rams’ game-winning touchdown.

While both calls were technically correct, they were highly debated moments that shaped the outcomes of major playoff games. If another game-altering penalty occurs in Super Bowl LIX, expect the discussion to last well beyond Sunday night.

Will Officiating Define Super Bowl LIX?

While penalties are an inevitable part of the game, the spotlight will be on Ron Torbert and his crew as they navigate a high-pressure Super Bowl matchup.

Given the history of close calls, Chiefs-related officiating scrutiny, and Torbert’s penalty trends, fans will be watching every flag closely.

Super Bowl LIX might be remembered for a spectacular play or a controversial call—either way, Ron Torbert will be at the center of it all.