Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions, United States - 18 Jan 2025] The Ohio-born referee is one of eight African-American referees in NFL history and was the second one to be named in any capacity when chosen as an alternate referee for Super Bowl LIII.
Torbert, 61, began his NFL officiating career in 2010 as a side judge before becoming a referee in the 2014 NFL season.
Ahead of the Super Bowl, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was forceful in his defence: "A lot of those theories are things that happen in social media, and they get a new life.
The statement from executive director and former referee Scott Green added: "It is insulting and preposterous to hear conspiracy theories that somehow 17 officiating crews consisting of 138 officials are colluding to assist one team.".
It will be his second time refereeing the Super Bowl, having first been tasked with the job in Super Bowl 56 between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals.
