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NFL referees were involved in bizarre interactions with Eric Wilson and Trey McBride.
NFL referees were on one this Sunday across a loaded slate of pro football action. One was seen flipping out on Vikings defender Eric Wilson. Another cussed out Cardinals pass catcher Trey McBride.
The bizarre scenes have gone viral on social media, sparking a major debate. Do NFL officials have an attitude problem?
Referees are one of the most scrutinized groups in pro football. Someone will disagree with every call. It is impossible to please both sides. They have a difficult job in a fast-paced game.
Ideally, referees go unnoticed in an NFL contest. If they are not being talked about, it probably means they are doing their jobs.
On Sunday, a couple of officials did just the opposite. They inserted themselves into the conversation by confronting players. The optics weren’t great.
NFL referees flip out on Eric Wilson, Trey McBride.
NFL referee Adrian Hill flipped out at #Vikings LB Eric Wilson for an unintentional collision. 🤷🏻♂️
Watch closely and you can even see Wilson trying to help Hill up after he lost his footing. https://t.co/SaWuhQpCtP
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 4, 2026
During Minnesota’s 15-10 win over Miami, Eric Wilson was pushed into an official during a dead play. A whistle was blown as he engaged with an offensive player. The blocker then pushed Wilson into the referee.
The linebacker was immediately remorseful. He appeared to apologize while offering to help the ref to his feet. The official threw a tantrum.
Check out the initial online reaction below.
“Officials have a hard job but their arrogance and opinions of themselves just make them so unlikable.”
“Not a good look for the ref man.”
“These refs have main character syndrome.”
That response was similar to one seen in New York around the same time. An official shouted “F— you” at Arizona tight end Trey McBride for questioning a call. The interaction was caught on the broadcast. It will be reviewed by the league.
The NFL said it is reviewing the situation in which an official appears to use profanity at Cardinals TE Trey McBride.
The NFLPA Executive Director JC Tretter called for the NFL to hold the official accountable. https://t.co/NuueChAmrx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 4, 2026
Some viewers have called for a suspension of the officials. We’ll see what the NFL has to say after reviewing the footage.
There is a stigma surrounding referees across all sports. There is a misuse of power. The narrative resurfaces every time an official pointlessly inserts his or herself into the game.
These two NFL referees did just that on Sunday. There could be repercussions to prevent future reoccurrences.