In a press conference held in Detroit, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed his unwavering support for the league's officials, praising their commitment and acknowledging the challenging nature of their job. Despite a season riddled with on-field controversies, Goodell emphasized the officials' dedication and their continuous efforts to make accurate decisions in a matter of seconds.

"I'm proud of our officials," Goodell stated, as reported by the Detroit News. "I think they do an extraordinary job. They aren't perfect - they're making decisions out there in a matter of seconds - but what we've seen in a variety of circumstances this year…is they get it right and they're still criticized."

While not delving into specific incidents, Goodell's comments addressed the backlash faced by officials throughout the season. One incident that still resonates with the city of Detroit is the Lions/Taylor Decker controversy in December. The team's social media team kept the incident alive for weeks, highlighting a play that ultimately decided the outcome in favor of the Dallas Cowboys.

This season, almost every week has witnessed a controversial call or a perceived error that has overshadowed the action on the field. As the commissioner of the NFL, Goodell seeks to protect the integrity of the game and shield officials from public criticism.

Referee controversies have always been a part of the sport, with teams often feeling aggrieved by certain calls. However, as the leader of the league, Goodell emphasizes the importance of not publicly discussing punishments or proposing fixes to the system.

"What we've seen in a variety of situations this year…is they get it right and they're still criticized," Goodell remarked. "And you know, there are two teams out there, so...is he offsides or not offsides? That's just part of their job. They are the hardest-working people I see."

Goodell highlighted the officials' strong work ethic and their unwavering commitment to contributing to the game. While acknowledging that technology plays a role in officiating, he commended the individuals involved for their dedication and pride in their work.

As the 2020 NFL season continues with playoffs on the horizon, the controversies surrounding officiating will likely persist. Nevertheless, Goodell's resounding support for the league's officials serves as a testament to their importance in maintaining the fairness and integrity of the game.