Man, AJ Hawk is like the best Ed McMahon. I love his question asking him if refs are like players and want the ball for the big play. He consistently comes right out the gate with a freaking great question for the guests or for Pat. He makes the show for me.
AJ Hawk is such a huge part of the show, things don’t really get rolling until he comes into the picture! Love his energy, personality and the great questions like ya said!
AJ is the perfect compliment to Pat and the rest of the boys aka the yes men/ hype men. He’s calm and collected. He doesn’t engage in most of the hilarity going on in studio. Ignoring and not singing along. Doesn’t even like to say I. O. but when you see him see him slightly grinning. It makes me laugh hysterically. But what gets me the most is when everyone else is busting their guts with laughter and Aj has a look that feels like his brain is saying “ WTF am I doing here? These guys are idiots. Shut up with all that yelling? Why are y’all singing? Pat stay on topic “. 😂😂😂
i'd be hard to watch knowing that AJ was gone.....However, the NFL has a bbbigggggggggg cast of characters....but those Ohio people are special. take the word special anyway you'd like....
After this interview I can't stop but think that a weekly broadcast of him analyzing and dissecting referee performances of the past week would be absolutely fascinating.
I’ll third it!! Gene is fantastic. Funny thing, I never realized it was the same guy on basketball and football. I figured it was two different guys with similar names. DUH.
Would be a great addition to the NFL network. But it should be done on a constructive criticism way not just calling them out. Yes call out the bad calls and then explain why they didn’t get it right. The NFL has so many rules and explaining the nuances would go along way in helping the fans understand that not every call will be perfect. Can also help give the officials more respect in the long term.
Horrible call. Two inch bend in the card to make the ball and yard marker touch means they weren't touching and therefore Dallas was short. Totally cheated.
This was a great interview Gene has charisma for years and this only elevated my want to highlight great refs like him Wonder what Ed Hochuli is doing these days
i refereed over 2,000 soccer games (youth, amateur college, pro) over a 15 year period, and I miss it - this interview made me miss it even more! it was truly the challenge of allowing great athletes to compete in a fair manner, and the inter-game chatting/dynamics, that made it awesome. i encourage people to try reffing...taught me great skills that have served me in other parts of my life - including career.
Pat, thank you for having Gene on the show! As an official myself, Gene is one that many of us want to model our game after! We're not perfect, but Gene sure gives us tools, just by watching him, to add to our "tool belts."
I could listen to this man interview all day. He is an absolute delight of a man. Y’all couldn’t have picked a better person to interview over reffing.
My favorite thing about Gene is that he was an amazing NFL referee while also officiating multiple NCAA basketball tournaments. He’s the gold standard of officiating! 🐐 my favorite moment of his was the ‘Dez caught it’ game. “The receiver DID NOT maintain possession” haha the look on Dez’s face 😂
@@wowwzer1842 he didn't. By the word of the rulebook, dez didn't catch it. Thats why they changed the rule after. You can argue that it should be considered a catch and you'd be right, hence the rule change. But refs have to go according to the rulebook and according to the rulebook at that time, it was incomplete and the correct call.
@@wowwzer1842 no they did not. They came out after they changed the rule and said that it would be a catch now (after the change). Go get proof and post the link of their statement timestamped before the rule change to prove your point otherwise f off. I lived in Dallas with tons of Cowboys fans and everytime I asked for proof they shy away.
3:34 I've never heard the attraction of refereeing described that way... "Athletes are competing at the highest level. Coaches are amped up at the highest level. Feeling that calmness in that moment is as addictive as hell. It's crazy addictive. That's what you do. That's what you live for." -- Gene Steratore 3/24/22, 1:16 pm
The best ref …loved it when SMOOVE GENE called games! All his games flowed efficiently..he totally had respect from the players and coaches and it definitely showed on film. Dude is very good at administrating power!
Steratore's just got that OG made man, wiseguy, vibe exuding from every fiber of his being. Look at how captivated and memorized Pat is listening to him speak, and rightfully so. Fkn Legendary 🤜🏽🤛🏽🤝
Pat, keep Gene's phone number. He needs to be a regular contributor during the season. I do wish, though, you had asked about the overtime rule. This man has been there and understands the bigger picture. As a referee, he goes out and administers the rules he's given. But let him express an opinion on what HE thinks is good for the game and tell us why. I'd love for him to be part of that conversation.
I've been saying this for years, the refs are no worse now than they were years ago. It is the CAMERAS!! For a long time there were only a couple camera views so we never saw the missed calls! Now we see every missed call.
Wow, such an amazing interview!! Gene’s energy is so positive and he painted a great picture of what being a referee is all about. Can’t wait to hear his voice during the games and to see his positive impact on the game to come! Must have for more interviews!!
Great interview, loved his passion and unique perspective he offers as a Ref. Gotta respect someone who loves the sport so much he decided to be a custodian of the rules, and do it so well
Great interview from a different perspective. Basically he controlled the game without affecting the game! You should bring a few more former referees on. Maybe a Hawk vs Hockuli bench press! 😂
Great interview. Gene is a legend. He even reffed youth summer basketball leagues for free for me about 5 or 6 years ago. Great guy and obviously loves what he does.
I love the people who comment on any video about officiating and say “oh it’s all fake” and “the fix is in!” Well if you really believe that then don’t watch. Teams have 60 minutes to come out on top. There are many, many opportunities to close out a game during that time. You can whine that a fallible human being makes a mistake, or you can actually show up for 60 minutes and beat your opponent.
I'll always remember watching the cowboys vs the raiders game. The infamous index card debacle. I'm a cowboys fan and my brother is a raiders fan. We both were watching and say to each other "Is that an index car?" We had no idea what was going on or what to expect. As soon as Gene placed the index card, we both thought the cowboys were short of the first down. Then Gene points first down. I will always remember my brother's reaction hahaha.
The refs are put there to manipulate spreads. That's why so many penalties can go both wags its there call and they know who to call it on. These games have billions bet on them over the course of a season that's more than a whole franchise is worth dude
For whatever reason I have had terrible luck for witnessing live iconic moments in sports. Seems like I always just barely miss them. That was not the case for that index card fiasco. Honestly one of the most bizarre moments in NFL officiating of all time. I can't see us forgetting that smirk for a long long time.
Gene Steratore, the 3rd generation Pittsburgher who officiated a game that was Dolphins vs Steelers. October 2010. My perception of him changed after that game.
I think one thing that would help get younger while still having experience. Is 5 years smaller colleges, 2 to 5 in big college games then NFL. Trim 5 to 7 years of the process.
Man, AJ Hawk is like the best Ed McMahon. I love his question asking him if refs are like players and want the ball for the big play.
He consistently comes right out the gate with a freaking great question for the guests or for Pat.
He makes the show for me.
AJ Hawk is such a huge part of the show, things don’t really get rolling until he comes into the picture! Love his energy, personality and the great questions like ya said!
Him and pat go together we'll. Pats more casual while aj is well thought out with his questions
AJ is the perfect compliment to Pat and the rest of the boys aka the yes men/ hype men. He’s calm and collected. He doesn’t engage in most of the hilarity going on in studio. Ignoring and not singing along. Doesn’t even like to say I. O. but when you see him see him slightly grinning. It makes me laugh hysterically. But what gets me the most is when everyone else is busting their guts with laughter and Aj has a look that feels like his brain is saying “ WTF am I doing here? These guys are idiots. Shut up with all that yelling? Why are y’all singing? Pat stay on topic “. 😂😂😂
i'd be hard to watch knowing that AJ was gone.....However, the NFL has a bbbigggggggggg cast of characters....but those Ohio people are special. take the word special anyway you'd like....
After this interview I can't stop but think that a weekly broadcast of him analyzing and dissecting referee performances of the past week would be absolutely fascinating.
I 2nd this
I’ll third it!! Gene is fantastic. Funny thing, I never realized it was the same guy on basketball and football. I figured it was two different guys with similar names. DUH.
I would watch that, tough on the refs
@@chrissnape9537 and thanks to you I'd even already have a name for the show: "Tough calls"!
Would be a great addition to the NFL network. But it should be done on a constructive criticism way not just calling them out. Yes call out the bad calls and then explain why they didn’t get it right. The NFL has so many rules and explaining the nuances would go along way in helping the fans understand that not every call will be perfect. Can also help give the officials more respect in the long term.
The clip of his smirk he makes walking away with the index card mixed with Chris collingsworth commentary will remain legendary
An All Timer
Bad call
Horrible call. Two inch bend in the card to make the ball and yard marker touch means they weren't touching and therefore Dallas was short. Totally cheated.
@@theroachden6195 lol he didn’t bend the card😂
The spot was bad anyway.
This was a great interview
Gene has charisma for years and this only elevated my want to highlight great refs like him
Wonder what Ed Hochuli is doing these days
He didn’t want let anyone else talk
Ed is working out.
I'm pretty sure that he is still practicing law in Arizona!
@Captain Orange cool
Some say he’s still explaining that there’s penalties in the pro bowl
i refereed over 2,000 soccer games (youth, amateur college, pro) over a 15 year period, and I miss it - this interview made me miss it even more! it was truly the challenge of allowing great athletes to compete in a fair manner, and the inter-game chatting/dynamics, that made it awesome. i encourage people to try reffing...taught me great skills that have served me in other parts of my life - including career.
Pat, thank you for having Gene on the show! As an official myself, Gene is one that many of us want to model our game after! We're not perfect, but Gene sure gives us tools, just by watching him, to add to our "tool belts."
I could listen to this man interview all day. He is an absolute delight of a man. Y’all couldn’t have picked a better person to interview over reffing.
Ed Hercules maybe but Gene’s a goat when it comes to officiating, such an icon in the profession
My favorite thing about Gene is that he was an amazing NFL referee while also officiating multiple NCAA basketball tournaments. He’s the gold standard of officiating! 🐐 my favorite moment of his was the ‘Dez caught it’ game. “The receiver DID NOT maintain possession” haha the look on Dez’s face 😂
Dez definitely caught it
@@wowwzer1842 yeah they ruled that on the field but they didn’t have the final call on it
@@wowwzer1842 he didn't. By the word of the rulebook, dez didn't catch it. Thats why they changed the rule after. You can argue that it should be considered a catch and you'd be right, hence the rule change. But refs have to go according to the rulebook and according to the rulebook at that time, it was incomplete and the correct call.
@@jimai808 it’s not a debate the nfl literally said it was a catch
@@wowwzer1842 no they did not. They came out after they changed the rule and said that it would be a catch now (after the change). Go get proof and post the link of their statement timestamped before the rule change to prove your point otherwise f off. I lived in Dallas with tons of Cowboys fans and everytime I asked for proof they shy away.
Pat, I rarely click on your interviews if over 20 minutes...this one was a f*cking delight. Thanks for that.
@@johanstinson it does I have a horrible attention span myself
This interview with Gene was electric dude has so much passion for sports
Official 🐐, I'm getting pumped up just listening to him talk about the game. His intensity is part of what today's refs miss
3:34 I've never heard the attraction of refereeing described that way... "Athletes are competing at the highest level. Coaches are amped up at the highest level. Feeling that calmness in that moment is as addictive as hell. It's crazy addictive. That's what you do. That's what you live for." -- Gene Steratore
3/24/22, 1:16 pm
I just wanted to say as a Canadian, it's refreshing to hear Americans talk a little hockey every now and then 👍
he wasnt wrong about the ref's and make up calls
@@derekhammett8634 you are correct sir
The best ref …loved it when SMOOVE GENE called games!
All his games flowed efficiently..he totally had respect from the players and coaches and it definitely showed on film.
Dude is very good at administrating power!
Awesome interview!! Gene should be a regular.
A family legacy of referees is pretty cool and interesting. Not something I would've thought about in this way. This was an awesome interview
This man is the mafia of interviews
Bro I thought it was Urban Meyer in the thumbnail 💀
I just halted my workday for 26 minutes and 45 seconds. I'm so glad I did. This interview is flat out incredible.
I love the Ray Lewis and Peyton Manning pics he has behind him in his home. Gene is a fckn legend!!
Steratore's just got that OG made man, wiseguy, vibe exuding from every fiber of his being. Look at how captivated and memorized Pat is listening to him speak, and rightfully so.
Fkn Legendary 🤜🏽🤛🏽🤝
This man is a gem!!
This was a great interview!
This is a great person to interview
Love those photos behind him with Ray Lewis and Peyton. Really cool stuff
Thought the same thing
The most recognizable ref outside maybe Ed "Hocules" Hochuli
Pat, keep Gene's phone number. He needs to be a regular contributor during the season. I do wish, though, you had asked about the overtime rule. This man has been there and understands the bigger picture. As a referee, he goes out and administers the rules he's given. But let him express an opinion on what HE thinks is good for the game and tell us why. I'd love for him to be part of that conversation.
Seeing him not in stripes is like seeing your teacher at the grocery store.
Was never a huge NFL fan, but the man always had a presence on the field when I would watch games. Super smooth and intelligent.
This is more of a sports story about his family being a bunch of sports refs!!! Than anything FS1 has ever reported
That was a GREAT mf'ing interview! Get Gene on more often.
Question/thought for next time, I’d love to hear his opinion on the nfl hiring the refs to be full time league employees
This is a great segment. Learned a ton.
I’m an eagles fan and thank god he was the official for my team when we won the Super Bowl
I always thought his last name was "Skelatore"
Huh.. you learn something every day.
Gene needs to open and run a referee school
Great interview again Pat!
Pat is goated. Were getting spoiled with great guests
This was such a great, honest and important conversation... and a fun to listen to. Great job for getting this interview out into the world.
Can only watch ESPN and all the sports channels for about 10 mins or so. Then I have to turn it, but I can watch a full 3 hour show of Pat McAfee
Hell me to . And I have severe ADHD.
Need an interview with Wes McCauley
This is very insightful for how things get handled. Great interview.
Great interview! I love Gene! My favorite nfl ref of all time 2nd to Ed hochuli. The Dez call and the index card are his best moments.
I've been saying this for years, the refs are no worse now than they were years ago. It is the CAMERAS!! For a long time there were only a couple camera views so we never saw the missed calls! Now we see every missed call.
When he pulled out that index card during the Raiders/Cowboys game, I thought that was hilarious. I didn't know that was even a thing 😂😂.
Wow, such an amazing interview!! Gene’s energy is so positive and he painted a great picture of what being a referee is all about. Can’t wait to hear his voice during the games and to see his positive impact on the game to come! Must have for more interviews!!
Wow, total new respect for Gene, the job and a great truly dedicated person.
One of the best interviews I’ve seen on the show.
The two pics behind Gene only adds to this man’s legacy
i think this might be the best interview yall have done that i have seen
Gene is THE man
As a fan of the sport I always loved when Gene was reffing a big game
Great interview, loved his passion and unique perspective he offers as a Ref. Gotta respect someone who loves the sport so much he decided to be a custodian of the rules, and do it so well
Love when he jumps on a game on TV and breaks down a controversial call. Glad they added that element into the mix.
This interview was awesome. Gene Steratore is a class act!
Great interview from a different perspective. Basically he controlled the game without affecting the game! You should bring a few more former referees on. Maybe a Hawk vs Hockuli bench press! 😂
Great interview. Gene is a legend. He even reffed youth summer basketball leagues for free for me about 5 or 6 years ago. Great guy and obviously loves what he does.
What he said about being accountable for the game is a great quote. Everyone should value that.
Best shortish video from the pat show ever! Hit every topic of the gamble side and fandom.. Gene is the man
Don't get me wrong I've thought he's missed calls in my favor lol
Great interview..
That line after 20:02, instant classic!!
Gene and AL need to be on here more.
He said at some point he left when he was 55 which was obviously a while ago, so hes nearing 60??? Man looks like a great looking 40.
Gene has got to come on once a week. This was great.
What a guy. Great wisdom for the game
This was such an excellent breakdown of behind the scenes for being a professional referree.
I needed this.
One of a kind.
Wow, he reminds me of Coach Jimmy Valvano - brimming with enthusiasm and a huge respect for the game.
A1 interview. Best sports show period.
I love him!!! He is cool af
I love the people who comment on any video about officiating and say “oh it’s all fake” and “the fix is in!” Well if you really believe that then don’t watch. Teams have 60 minutes to come out on top. There are many, many opportunities to close out a game during that time. You can whine that a fallible human being makes a mistake, or you can actually show up for 60 minutes and beat your opponent.
👏👏👏 Thank you!!!
im with this
Top 5 interviews of all time my boy.
He aint no ed hercules haha
I didn't know how much I would love this. Holy crap! Gene is a riot. Reminds me of home. 724 represent.
Pretty interesting hearing this and then one day later seeing him in the booth at the Gonzaga Arkansas game on tv.
This video should be a standard police training video. Ideas on how to referee a community.
This was awesome.
One of your greatest segments!
Front row seats to greatness while doing your job. Always been an interesting job to think about.
I'll always remember watching the cowboys vs the raiders game. The infamous index card debacle. I'm a cowboys fan and my brother is a raiders fan. We both were watching and say to each other "Is that an index car?" We had no idea what was going on or what to expect. As soon as Gene placed the index card, we both thought the cowboys were short of the first down. Then Gene points first down. I will always remember my brother's reaction hahaha.
We need refs that are looking out for cheating for a competitive advantage in that 5%. If they're doing that we're good.
The refs are put there to manipulate spreads. That's why so many penalties can go both wags its there call and they know who to call it on. These games have billions bet on them over the course of a season that's more than a whole franchise is worth dude
Greatest interview ever. I want this guy to run for President....
Can’t wait for robotic referees!
This is why Gene is one of the BEST out there!
He’s a good interview, definitely one of the better ones
I like this guy!
This was ELECTRIC
Gene is a legend. The NFL needs more refs like him
Him on DVE during the season is one of the best parts all week.
For whatever reason I have had terrible luck for witnessing live iconic moments in sports. Seems like I always just barely miss them. That was not the case for that index card fiasco. Honestly one of the most bizarre moments in NFL officiating of all time. I can't see us forgetting that smirk for a long long time.
it's the greattt'a statutory
This was great! Get Ed Hochuli in this next!
Gene Steratore, the 3rd generation Pittsburgher who officiated a game that was Dolphins vs Steelers. October 2010. My perception of him changed after that game.
I love this guy.
This dude is high level.
Im wondering if some officials are gambling while officiating
I think one thing that would help get younger while still having experience. Is 5 years smaller colleges, 2 to 5 in big college games then NFL. Trim 5 to 7 years of the process.
I loved Gene as a ref. By far my fav ref
Yo this is dude that help the Eagles beat the Patriots!