Detroit Lions Official Against Cardinals Presents Concerning Challenge

The Detroit Lions have drawn Carl Cheffers as the head referee for their Week 5 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

In his career as a head referee, Cheffers has officiated 15 Lions games. Detroit is 6-9 in those games, with a loss in their most recent game in 2025. That game was the team's Week 16 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it featured a controversial ending.

The Lions drove late in the game with a chance to win, reaching the Steelers' 1-yard line with less than 30 seconds remaining. Quarterback Jared Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for what appeared to be the go-ahead touchdown, but it was nullified by an offensive pass interference penalty.

Later in the drive, the Lions snapped the ball with eight seconds remaining and Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown. After being stood up, St. Brown lateraled to Goff who reached into the end zone. However, that play was also nullified as St. Brown was whistled for offensive pass interference for pushing off his defender.

Cheffers is one of the longest-tenured officials in the league, having served as a head official since 2008. He has presided over three Super Bowls, with the first being the New England Patriots' infamous rally from a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons.