Thibodaux man named HEAD Head Ref...

quote:

---

MIAMI -- Carl Johnson will replace the retiring Mike Pereira as NFL vice president of officiating in April.

The 48-year-old Johnson has worked eight postseason games in his nine-year NFL career as a line judge. Johnson officiated in the 2008 Super Bowl between the Giants and Patriots; four divisional playoff games, including this year's Dallas-Minnesota matchup; two wild-card games; and one Pro Bowl. He's a native of Thibodaux, La.

"Carl Johnson is highly respected both by his on-field and off-field officiating colleagues for his stellar body of work and his integrity," NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson said Tuesday. "His teamwork-first philosophy and his excellent communication skills will provide terrific leadership to our officiating department."

Aside from his work as an official on the high school, college and pro level, Johnson has 30 years of business management experience.

"Carl's skill set is an outstanding match for this position and we look forward to his leadership in this critical area of our operations," Anderson said.

Pereira, 59, has held the post since 2001 and is considered the most progressive head of officiating the league has had.

---