Meet the Referee Who Will Oversee the Lions vs. Rams Game

A good or bad referee can sure change the tide of a game. I mean, Detroit Lions fans are all too familiar with bad calls changing the outcomes of games. Of course, I'm thinking of the recent Cowboys game with ref Brad Allen. Well, the NFL has assigned the referees for this weekend. Let's meet the referee who will oversee the Lions vs. Rams game.

This Sunday (Jan. 14) marks the Detroit Lions hosting their first playoff game in 30 years, going up against the Los Angeles Rams. The NFL has assigned a veteran ref, Craig Wrolstad, to the game. Wrolstad is the second most experienced referee in this weekend's playoff games. That gives me hope that we'll have a fair game.

FootballZebras.com has a full analysis of all the refs in this weekend's Wild Card matchups. Of our ref, they say, "Craig Wrolstad is the referee, who is in his 21st season and 10th as referee. This is his 14th postseason assignment, including 7 Wild Card Playoffs, 4 Divisional Playoffs, 2 Conference Championships, and Super Bowl XLVII. His Super Bowl assignment was as a field judge." That's quite a resume. Wrolstad has actually not officiated a Lions game this season, but he's not a total newbie to the team. He's officiated seven Lions games over the years, the most recent being in 2022.

Meanwhile, if you're wondering, the NFL has tapped Ron Torbert as the referee for the Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys Wild Card playoff game. That game is right before the Lions play, Sunday at 4:30 p.m. "Ron Torbert is the referee, who is in his 14th season and 10th as referee," FootballZebras.com states. "This is Torbert’s 12th postseason assignment, including 4 Wild Card Playoffs, 6 Divisional Playoffs, 1 Conference Championship, and Super Bowl LVI." So, hopefully Torbert won't let the Cowboys get away with any shenanigans. Listen to my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson," where we talk about the Wild Card games, below. Hit me up on socials here.

We can talk about the best quarterbacks or coaches or running backs in the NFL until we're blue in the face. But, what makes the game really exciting to watch are the personalities behind those players and staffers. Of course, having a fun personality isn't all there is in the NFL. We love watching these guys go at it on the field and witnessing their athleticism. We also love seeing expert coaches leading their teams to victories. But, having a really cool, larger-than-life personality certainly helps. So, what players have the best personalities in the NFL right now?

Before we get to our current list, let's look at some of the most best personalities in the NFL of all time. Bleacherreport.com has a listicle out of the players with the most colorful personalities of all time. Topping that list is Terrell Owens. "Love him or hate him, T.O. has the most colorful personality," they state in the article. "Over his career, he's shown all the qualities: arrogance/confidence, drama (all of 2005 in Philadelphia), excitement, unpredictably, crying (that Tony Romo press conference) and humor." That's a good call. Coming in at No. 2 is the legendary Joe Namath. "Who else could get away with wearing sunglasses on the sideline?" they exclaim. "With the long hair, the occasional Fu Manchu and the playboy attitude, he was the most compelling figure in sports during the late 1960s and early 1970s."

So, what about right now? I looked at the current season and picked a range of roles, from quarterback to coach to tight end. These guys have stood out this season for either their larger-than-life personalities or situations. Also, we discuss the current NFL in the latest episode of my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson," which you can listen to below. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Patrick Mahomes, of course, is the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. He's considered the best quarterback of his era and possibly the next Tom Brady. But, aside from his skills, he also has a big personality. He has more than 6 million Instagram followers, and he posts a bunch of stuff up there, from football material to family photos.

Travis Kelce, the celebrated tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is pretty much the most famous guy in football this season. Yes, it's because of his relationship with Taylor Swift. I hate to make that a reason to have him named one of the best personalities in the NFL, but heck, even without the Taylor factor, Kelce has a huge personality that people love.

All eyes are on Dan Campbell this season, as the Lions all pulling off some incredible things. That's not common for the Detroit Lions, either. But, Campbell has some of the wackiest ideas and quotes, and that makes him loveable. Remember that time he wanted a pet Lion at practices? I love this dude.

Bill Belichick needs no introduction, but we'll introduce him anyway. He's the former head coach and general manager of the New England Patriots. He's had some rough years as of late, but nothing can take away his glimmering record. Belichick just tells it like it is. He's incredible with strategies, and that really stands out with his coaching.

Jalen Hurts, the star quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, is something of a hero on the field. But, off the field, he's known for his deep, insightful comments that show he has wisdom beyond his years. He's a major contender and personality.