Every career field has a destination for excellence, where an industry’s highest performers are lifted to its greatest stage.
A chemist yearns for the Nobel Peace Prize in Chemistry. Journalists strive for a Pulitzer. Law professionals may aspire to deliver justice in the U.S. Supreme Court.
All worthy pursuits, but none of these perform before a potential global audience of 800 million in more than 220 countries as his work is interpreted instantaneously in 30 languages on a field commanding rapt attention and a peerless passion.
That stage belongs to a Super Bowl game official.
That stage belongs to USA Football’s Tony Michalek.
“A flood of emotions rapidly went through me as I listened to the details,” recalls Michalek, a 26-year football officiating veteran. “The feeling that hit me the hardest was humble gratitude. I wanted to thank everyone I knew who supported me through the years. Nobody achieves this kind of accomplishment without the support of family, friends and officiating mentors.”
A co-author of USA Football’s officiating program with the Big Ten Conference’s No. 1-rated referee Bill LeMonnier, Michalek was the NFL’s highest-graded umpire over the course of the season to earn his first Super Bowl distinction. The Chicago-area resident worked the AFC Championship Game last season between the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots and called an NFC Divisional Playoff this past January when the Dallas Cowboys hosted the eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants.
Standing on the manicured field prior to kickoff, Michalek briefly reflected upon two of his life’s most inspiring forces – his parents.
“As I anticipated, my emotions peaked when we lined up at the 50-yard line for the National Anthem. My mother, Carole, who sings a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, was pictured in my head as Jordan Sparks began to sing. To this day, I am a big mush ball every time it plays and I’ve yet to hear anyone sing it better than my mom.
“As tears of joy streamed down my face, I mentally thanked all those who helped me along this incredible journey.I lined up on the 30-yard line for the opening kickoff and a calm confidence went through me of being well-trained and prepared for this moment. When the whistle was blown to kickoff, I heard the words of my father, Don: “Have fun, you deserve this and stay out of their (players) way.”
Following the Giants’ stunning 17-14 upset of the previously-unbeaten Patriots, Michalek and his crewmates were congratulated in the officials’ locker room for a Super Bowl-worthy performance by Pereira, NFL Supervisor of Officials Jim Daopoulos, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Anderson and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Michalek and LeMonnier will travel the country in 2008 to instruct at more than two dozen football officiating clinics on behalf of USA Football, which serves as the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels. The credentialed tandem in stripes help current officials sharpen their skills and encourage football-savvy individuals to answer the game’s call to officiate
“Youth and high school football leagues need officials, offering people who love this sport a chance to help their community by making the game safe and fair,” Michalek says. “Dreams and goals can come true with hard work and a great support system. Officiating a state championship or a Division I game are attainable goals if an official is willing to put extra effort toward continual improvement.
“Be prepared to ask questions in order to find a road map for success – it is there if you want it.”
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USA Football Officiating Membership offers officials of all experience levels the ability to converse with, learn from, and pose questions to some of the most accomplished professionals in this field. Become a USA Football officiating member and earn yourself an edge. Gain insight on officiating mechanics, access a video library of more than 100 plays offering expert rules interpretation, be awarded special member discounts to Honig’s Whistle Stop, a leading officiating equipment and uniform retailer, and more. Make the call now – click here to learn more.