NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell publicly criticized the league's officiating issues, placing additional emphasis on the Rams vs Seahawks game – the recorded footage from the game has been thoroughly reviewed by the NFL.

February, 2026 — New York, NY — In an unprecedented move, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has addressed the growing concerns over officiating controversies, with a sharp focus on the highly contentious NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he is “so amazed” by how good NFL officials are.

He acknowledged it’s a difficult job, said the league wants to use more technology, and added: “If there’s an obvious error, we need to be able to fix it.”

Further discussions coming in the… pic.twitter.com/q19CH2R3YZ

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 2, 2026

Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Goodell acknowledged the heightened scrutiny on officiating, particularly regarding the controversial decisions that led to the Seahawks’ 31-27 victory, sending them to the Super Bowl. While the league has remained largely silent on specific calls throughout the season, Goodell’s remarks have ignited a new wave of discussion around the role of referees in shaping key game outcomes.

“The results may have already been decided, but there’s no denying that certain calls in that Rams vs. Seahawks game left questions,” Goodell stated. “We can’t ignore what replay footage shows — those key moments influenced the flow and, potentially, the outcome of that game.”

Refs miss face mask on this Matthew Stafford fumble pic.twitter.com/sdSykePBZx

— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 26, 2026

Goodell, known for his typically measured responses, did not mince words in his assessment of the controversial calls. Among those highlighted by analysts and former players were a missed facemask penalty on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and a critical first-down ruling in the final minutes, which allowed the Seahawks to run out the clock.

“It’s not just about the flags, it’s about when they’re thrown,” Goodell continued. “In a game that’s so tight, when the timing of a call can determine the fate of a team, that’s where our system needs to be scrutinized. The timing of these calls matters as much as the calls themselves.”

The Commissioner’s comments echo those made by Richard Sherman, a former Seahawks star, who has publicly raised concerns about officiating bias. Sherman, who was instrumental in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory in 2013, has alleged that key moments in the NFC Championship were “manipulated,” referencing the controversial calls that have since sparked outrage, especially among Rams fans.

why didn’t they review this?

absolutely looks short when his shoulder hits the ground

McVay wanted to challenge & the refs told him not to

would have been 4th down pic.twitter.com/Rwskkb9G88

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 26, 2026

“No one loves this team more than I do,” Sherman remarked. “But when the biggest calls of the game go one way, in the final moments, with everything on the line — that’s not coincidence. It’s integrity being tested.”

Sherman’s comments have intensified the debate, drawing attention to the role technology could play in addressing officiating errors. Goodell has long advocated for increased use of technology to help correct obvious mistakes, such as the potential for a “Sky Judge” to make real-time decisions on contentious calls.

“The NFL has the resources, the technology, and the infrastructure to ensure that officiating is fair and accurate,” Goodell said. “We need to find ways to eliminate the human error that can impact these pivotal moments. The competition committee will continue to explore how we can use technology to assist officials without overstepping the bounds of the game.”

While the Seahawks have officially been crowned NFC Champions and will face off in the Super Bowl, the legacy of their controversial victory is far from settled. Fans across social media have rallied in defense of both Sherman and the Rams, while others have questioned the integrity of the outcome.

“I’m not here to accuse the players,” Sherman clarified. “This isn’t about the Seahawks or their coaching staff. This is about the integrity of the game itself. Championships should be earned, not decided by questionable officiating.”

THE #RAMS JUST GOT COMPLETELY SCREWED BY THE REFS.

COOPER KUPP DID NOT CATCH THIS BALL.

KUPP WAS ALSO CLEARLY SURE OF THE FIRST DOWN LINE.

THIS IS ABSURD THAT THIS WAS NOT REVIEWED.

INSANE. pic.twitter.com/YxcrlQsGoi

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) January 26, 2026

Despite the criticism, Goodell’s statement stands as one of the most forceful acknowledgments from the league regarding officiating controversies. While the NFL has not publicly addressed the specific allegations raised by Sherman and others, it’s clear that the league is beginning to recognize the need for change in how games are officiated, particularly in high-stakes moments where the wrong call can have a lasting impact.

In the coming weeks, the NFL may take further steps to address the controversy, but for now, the focus remains on improving the standards of officiating and ensuring the future of the game is as fair and transparent as possible.

As Goodell concluded, “In the end, it’s about ensuring that every game is decided on the field by the players, not the officials.”