The officiating crew led by Clay Martin has been assigned to oversee the Week 1 regular-season opener between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders. This matchup is crucial as it marks the beginning of the 2024 NFL season, scheduled for September 10, 2024, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Clay Martin, now in his eighth season as an NFL referee, will be joined by a crew that features familiar faces alongside a couple of new additions. The crew includes down judge Jerod Phillips, line judge Brian Perry, field judge Dave Hawkshaw, side judge Alonzo Ramsey, back judge Greg Wilson, and replay official Bryant Thompson. This season, Steve Woods moves from Craig Wrolstadt’s crew to serve as the umpire, while Artenzia Young-Seigler joins as the replay assistant from Brad Rogers’ crew.
Last season, Martin’s crew was notably active, throwing the eighth-most penalty flags in the league, totaling 215 penalties for 1,766 yards. Their performance was highlighted by their handling of the Giants’ Week 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys, where they issued a total of 15 penalties for 124 yards. In that match, the Giants received four penalties, while the Cowboys were flagged eleven times.
Despite their busy schedule, Martin’s crew did not officiate any regular-season games involving the Washington Commanders. However, their proficiency earned them a spot in the AFC Divisional Playoff matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans, illustrating their capability in high-stakes situations.
Born in 1973, Clay Martin began his NFL career in 2015 as an umpire and was promoted to referee in 2018 after the retirements of veteran officials Terry McAulay and Gene Steratore. His leadership and experience will be key as the season kicks off with this anticipated rivalry.
As the New York Giants prepare for their opening game, fans are eager to see how the officiating will impact the outcome. Follow updates on this exciting matchup and stay informed through various platforms, including social media and YouTube channels dedicated to the Giants.
