Jerry Markbreit‘s position as Trade and Barter Manager for the 3M Company was unique in the business world. That position, combined with his experience as one of only sixteen NFL Referees, has given Jerry Markbreit the background to develop an interesting and worthwhile message for professional groups.
Jerry Markbreit retired from the 3M Company after 38 years. In his position, he daily negotiated and traded millions of dollars of advertising, media time, materials, etc., with business throughout the world.
After officiating High School football for nine years, Markbreit became a member of the Big Ten Football officiating Staff. His most memorable games in the Big Ten include: the 1966 Notre Dame vs. Michigan State National Championship Game, the 1972 Rose Bowl Game between Stanford and Michigan, and six Ohio State vs. Michigan games.
Jerry Markbreit wrote a weekly football column for the Chicago Sun Times for several years while working college football; and in 1973 wrote, The Armchair Referee published by Doubleday & Company. In 1988 his autobiography entitled, Born to Referee was published by William Morrow Company. His last book, entitled The Last Call, published in 2003, is currently in bookstores.
Jerry Markbreit became a National Football League Line Judge in 1976 and in 1977 was promoted to NFL Referee. Markbreit became one of the greatest officials ever to work in the NFL. He was the head referee in four Superbowls in his 23 years, which is more than any other Referee in NFL history. The Super Bowls he worked were: XVII in 1983, XXI in 1987, XXVI in 1992, and XXIX in 1995. Jerry Markbreit also worked in 8 NFC/AFC championship games. He is known most for his precision and for always being on top of the play. Jerry retired after the 1998 NFL season and his final game was an NFC Divisional Playoff Game between the Atlanta Flacons and San Francisco 49ers. The 1998 season was Jerry Markbreit‘s 23rd year in the NFL and his 43rd consecutive season of football officiating. During the 1999 and 2000 seasons he served as an Instant Replay official and is currently head trainer for NFL Referees. In 2000, Jerry Markbreit was inducted into the B’nai B’rith Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in Washington, DC.
Categories: Risk Taking, Sports, Teamwork
