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After Further Review: My Life Including the Infamous, Controversial, and Unforgettable Calls That Changed the NFL
A former NFL ref and acclaimed rules expert shares his insights and thoughts on the rules of the sport
Only recently in the world of NFL media have “rules experts” become an essential part of a fan’s viewing experience. As the league continues to implement rule changes that have more and more of an impact on games and, sometimes, the final outcome, it’s become imperative that fans understand the rules and how they’re applied. But often, they need help. Mike Pereira, hired by Fox Sports in 2010 as the rules expert for both the NFL and college football, was not only the first to rise to prominence in the role, but he is consistently lauded as being the best by his peers and even rival media networks. Viewers have come to rely on Pereira, the former vice president of NFL officiating, to provide entertaining, informative, and reliable explanations of the league’s often baffling and controversial rulings during games. Now, Pereira digs a little deeper and gives NFL fans and casual viewers alike insight into NFL rules, their applications, and some of the most controversial calls in recent memory, in terms both can understand. In this book, Pereira draws on professional experience and his personal life, both his years of work at the pinnacle of the officiating world and his upbringing as the child of longtime official, Al Pereira.
Only recently in the world of NFL media have “rules experts” become an essential part of a fan’s viewing experience. As the league continues to implement rule changes that have more and more of an impact on games and, sometimes, the final outcome, it’s become imperative that fans understand the rules and how they’re applied. But often, they need help. Mike Pereira, hired by Fox Sports in 2010 as the rules expert for both the NFL and college football, was not only the first to rise to prominence in the role, but he is consistently lauded as being the best by his peers and even rival media networks. Viewers have come to rely on Pereira, the former vice president of NFL officiating, to provide entertaining, informative, and reliable explanations of the league’s often baffling and controversial rulings during games. Now, Pereira digs a little deeper and gives NFL fans and casual viewers alike insight into NFL rules, their applications, and some of the most controversial calls in recent memory, in terms both can understand. In this book, Pereira draws on professional experience and his personal life, both his years of work at the pinnacle of the officiating world and his upbringing as the child of longtime official, Al Pereira.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 10, 2019
Great book! Gives you an inside perspective of what N.F.L. referee's go through and have to deal with
December 23, 2019
It meets expectations.
Mike Pereira is a notable figure on the NFL landscape, not only as a referee and an official with the league, but now as the first (and by far the best) of the officiating analysts on TV. He's got a story worth telling.
I appreciate the honesty. There are some tales in here that a more conservative author might leave out. Roger Goodell shoving him against a door. Explaining why Jon Gruden is the most hated (by referees) coach in the league. And some of his cancer battles.
I follow the NFL closely, and there's lot in here that I wasn't aware of.
It's a little bit weird in that Pereira is the author, speaking in first person, but then there are extension quotes from the other figures in his story. I think the book's other author interviewed them. So it's a little bit of a different approach.
But recommended for anyone who's a fan of the league.
Mike Pereira is a notable figure on the NFL landscape, not only as a referee and an official with the league, but now as the first (and by far the best) of the officiating analysts on TV. He's got a story worth telling.
I appreciate the honesty. There are some tales in here that a more conservative author might leave out. Roger Goodell shoving him against a door. Explaining why Jon Gruden is the most hated (by referees) coach in the league. And some of his cancer battles.
I follow the NFL closely, and there's lot in here that I wasn't aware of.
It's a little bit weird in that Pereira is the author, speaking in first person, but then there are extension quotes from the other figures in his story. I think the book's other author interviewed them. So it's a little bit of a different approach.
But recommended for anyone who's a fan of the league.
May 9, 2017
I loved most of this book. Being a rules nerd myself and having been an official myself (in a different sport), I found the background on the officiating community to be fascinating. I find that Mr. Pereira has brought a lot to TV coverage of football games. My one quibble is that I would have liked a short explanation of the different officials on a football field and what the primary responsibilities for each official are.
November 30, 2017
Dry but informative
A glimpse behind the scenes into the lives of NFL officials and the stories behind some of the most controversial calls in the league's history. Pereira's story is never less than interesting.
A glimpse behind the scenes into the lives of NFL officials and the stories behind some of the most controversial calls in the league's history. Pereira's story is never less than interesting.
July 18, 2020
Really enjoyed reading this book.
When you have the front row seat insight to the workings of the NFL and someone speaking from their heart, this makes it really insightful and worth reading.
A good read.
When you have the front row seat insight to the workings of the NFL and someone speaking from their heart, this makes it really insightful and worth reading.
A good read.
October 21, 2020
Very interesting and yet at times a bit dull.
Do not get me wrong, I did enjoy the book. There were times it just got bogged down with just too many details.
But for any football fan this is another view of the NFL.
Overall not a bad read.
Do not get me wrong, I did enjoy the book. There were times it just got bogged down with just too many details.
But for any football fan this is another view of the NFL.
Overall not a bad read.
October 17, 2018
The parts about NFL management and controversial calls was very interesting... the biographical parts less so.
Read
October 10, 2025Fascinating!
October 6, 2016
As a referee and NFL fan, I really enjoyed this book.
September 22, 2016
Well worth the read
A very good read from the face of football officiating - both from inside and outside the ranks. Pereira provides excellent insight into the climb it takes in our craft. Very worthwhile.
A very good read from the face of football officiating - both from inside and outside the ranks. Pereira provides excellent insight into the climb it takes in our craft. Very worthwhile.
December 8, 2016
Pretty good, but it seemed a lot like watching Mike P doing the Fox broadcasts: constant covering of the Refs, and defending poor calls.
I *have* seen him on TV disagree with a call - but it's more rare than a (insert joke here). Unless it's egregious, he'll almost always side with the Refs, and *always* defends them, even when they're wrong. "He got the call wrong, but from that angle I can see why he'd make that call..." (which I get - cause it's a close-knit fraternity, but it's still a bit annoying)
I also STRONGLY disagree with him about making Refs accountable, and standing before the press after each game. Players do, coaches do... why should the Refs be any different? You can talk all you want about their hurt feelings when they blow a call, and how bad they feel and how hard they study blah blah blah... but when you *constantly* see outright phantom calls, and unexplainable missed calls - it's a travesty, and not having them own up to it publicly does nothing to enforce their credibility. (Example: Cowboys against Pittsburgh and Steeler's DB yanks Beasley's facemask, turning helmet and head about 180-degrees. This happened in open field, no obstructions and other players around, Refs were looking directly at the players and... nothing. How does this happen?)
I genuinely like Mike P though (he's great on radio interviews), and enjoyed the book regardless. I hope I can meet him one day and buy him a drink.
I *have* seen him on TV disagree with a call - but it's more rare than a (insert joke here). Unless it's egregious, he'll almost always side with the Refs, and *always* defends them, even when they're wrong. "He got the call wrong, but from that angle I can see why he'd make that call..." (which I get - cause it's a close-knit fraternity, but it's still a bit annoying)
I also STRONGLY disagree with him about making Refs accountable, and standing before the press after each game. Players do, coaches do... why should the Refs be any different? You can talk all you want about their hurt feelings when they blow a call, and how bad they feel and how hard they study blah blah blah... but when you *constantly* see outright phantom calls, and unexplainable missed calls - it's a travesty, and not having them own up to it publicly does nothing to enforce their credibility. (Example: Cowboys against Pittsburgh and Steeler's DB yanks Beasley's facemask, turning helmet and head about 180-degrees. This happened in open field, no obstructions and other players around, Refs were looking directly at the players and... nothing. How does this happen?)
I genuinely like Mike P though (he's great on radio interviews), and enjoyed the book regardless. I hope I can meet him one day and buy him a drink.
September 17, 2021
Somewhat bland discussion of NFL rule changes, controversial replays, and the like, among other discussions of the longtime NFL official's life. Of particular note were what led to certain rule changes and the rationale behind some of the calls made. Special vitriol was given toward the Patriots, though Pereira--even if he clearly labeled the Patriots, Tom Brady, and Bill Belichick as shady--came down as somewhat ambivalent regarding deflategate...it was more of "there's an awful lot of smoke here." Quick afternoon read.
November 28, 2016
Good read for football fans.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews