Houston Texans – Blog

Blakeman leads officiating crew for Saturday’s game

The referee for Saturday’s Wild Card playoff game between the Texans and Cincinnati Bengals at Reliant Stadium will be Clete Blakeman.

A fourth-year NFL official and second-year referee, Blakeman called one Texans game this season – their 17-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4 at Reliant Stadium. So the Texans are 1-0 in games officiated by Blakeman, for whatever that’s worth.

The Texans were penalized nine times for 64 yards in that game, compared to five penalties for 45 yards on the Steelers. Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph had two touchdowns nullified by penalties. The first came on a blocked field goal at the end of the first half; Blakeman called an illegal block in the back on free safety Danieal Manning. The second came on an interception return in the fourth quarter; Blakeman flagged defensive end J.J. Watt for a late hit in the end zone on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Blakeman, who wears number 34, was a field judge for two seasons before being promoted to referee in 2010. He played quarterback at Nebraska from 1983-87 and later became an official in the Big 12 conference.

The rest of Blakeman’s crew for Saturday: Umpire Bruce Stritesky (#102), Head Linesman Tony Veteri (#36), Line Judge Jeff Seerman (#45), Field Judge Buddy Horton (#82), Side Judge Greg Meyer (#78), Back Judge Terrence Miles (#111), Alternates Tom Barnes (#55) and Lee Dyer (#27), Instant Replay Asssistant Dick Creek.