Detroit Cody Graduate Shawn Smith was the Head Referee for Super Bowl LX

February 14, 2026

Shawn Smith made history by serving as head referee for Super Bowl 60 between the Seahawks and Patriots, marking a significant achievement for the Detroit native and Ferris State University graduate. Smith's path to officiating football's biggest game began at Cody High School in Detroit and continued through college athletics at Eastern Michigan University and Ferris State, where he earned an accountancy degree in 1994 while starting to officiate high school games. He progressively advanced through officiating ranks from Pop Warner and flag football to Division II, major collegiate conferences including the Big Ten, and ultimately joined the NFL in 2015.

Who is affected

Shawn Smith (head referee for Super Bowl 60)
Detroit communities and residents
Cody High School (Smith's alma mater)
Ferris State University (where Smith graduated in 1994)
Eastern Michigan University (where Smith began his college career)
NFL officiating crews
Seahawks and Patriots teams playing in Super Bowl 60

What action is being taken

No ongoing actions are explicitly described in the article. The article focuses on Smith's past journey and his completed assignment as head referee for Super Bowl 60, which occurred on Feb. 8, 2026.

Why it matters

Smith's achievement demonstrates that paths to success in professional sports extend beyond players and coaches to include officials who ensure fair play at the highest levels. His progression from Detroit youth football fields to officiating the Super Bowl serves as an inspirational story for communities in Detroit and Michigan, showing how dedication, attention to detail, and steady advancement can lead to recognition on sport's biggest stage. The milestone also highlights the importance of officials in maintaining the integrity of professional football.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle