Even as the NFL tries to field a younger officiating crew to keep up with the faster pace of the game, this year's roster contains just three first-year arbiters.
The league released its 124-man officials roster for the 2016 season July 7, one that features little turnover. However, there are several refs with local ties.
One official who is returning is Morgan State graduate and veteran field judge Boris Cheek, who is entering his 21st season. He is tied with three other officials for the 10th-most seniority.
This year, Cheek will move to the side judge position, which again puts him in the back end of the defense; he was also a side judge for the 2011 and 2014 seasons.
