Walt Coleman will work as referee for Patriots-Broncos

Walt Coleman, an official with some history involving the Patriots, will work Sunday’s game between New England and Denver.


Coleman was the official for the memorable “Tuck Rule” playoff game between the Patriots and Raiders in January 2002.



The veteran official, who has not worked an Oakland game since that fateful evening, is well aware Raiders’ fans remain salty about what happened 15 years ago.

"It comes up all the time," said Coleman, who's in his 29th season as an NFL official. "That kind of discussion has come up, and there’s Raider people now that are in other organizations all around the NFL. I understand the Raider fans. It was the rule, but you know, don’t confuse me with the facts.”

Here’s a quick look at each of the officials who have worked New England games this season, and the penalty information for both teams:

Bill Vinovich: Patriots (six penalties, 55 yards) vs. Kansas City (15 penalties, 139 yards),
Craig Wrolstad: Patriots (nine penalties, 66 yards) vs. New Orleans (five penalties, 35 yards)
John Parry: Patriots (five penalties, 69 yards) vs. Houston (10 penalties, 60 yards)
Jerome Boger: Patriots (seven penalties, 55 yards) vs. Carolina (one penalty, 33 yards)
Carl Cheffers: Patriots (12 penalties, 108 yards) vs. Tampa Bay (nine penalties, 70 yards)
Tony Corrente: Patriots (six penalties, 45 yards) vs. New York Jets (six penalties, 69 yards)
Gene Steratore: Patriots (eight penalties, 65 yards) vs. Atlanta (six penalties, 40 yards)
Pete Morelli: Patriots (six penalties, 80 yards) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (10 penalties, 77 yards)