Super Bowl 50 was special. Not only for being the 50th edition of the coveted trophy but also for the referee number 34. With big dimples on his cheeks and bulging biceps, the fans were left stunned by his handsome looks. Clete Blakeman went viral for his looks, with #hotref trending all over Twitter. That’s when he earned his reputation.

It was a culmination of his lifelong love for the sport. Ever since he was a child, the league meant the world to him. Blakeman’s bond with the NFL is special, and it has brought in the dollars as well.

Clete Blakeman’s NFL journey, income, and net worth

The referee played as a quarterback while studying at the University of Nebraska from 1984 to 1987. He had talent too, helping his team achieve a 70-0 shutout victory over the Kansas Jayhawks. He scored 3 passing TDs with another rushing TD in the matchup. But couldn’t find much in football as a profession.

That’s when Clete Blakeman wandered into the field of law. The NFL referee is also a talented personal injury lawyer based in Omaha, Nebraska. So, he runs his law business whenever he gets time off the football field. But the love for the game was just overwhelming. And he came back. His father, a college referee himself, also played a huge role.

In 2008, he joined the NFL as a field judge for referee Bill Leavy’s crew. He first watched the postseason closely in 2009. But 2010 changed everything. The league promoted him to the referee position. Life came full circle for him in Super Bowl 50 between the Broncos and Panthers as the crowd chanted Omaha! Omaha!

Courtesy of his NFL duties, he rakes in a yearly salary of $200,000. And from his second profession of law, Clete Blakeman’s annual earnings are estimated to be $100,000. Earning these for over a decade, his net worth is estimated somewhere in the range of $2-3 million. That’s huge.

However, one of the NFL’s richest referees has also mastered another quality. Time management! He spends ample time with his family.

Clete Blakeman’s sweet family of four

Once he stepped into the league, the referee’s personal life also flourished. With his wife, Katie, he welcomed two children, daughter Maeve in early 2011, and son, Hudson, in March 2013. However, as his family grew, so did his responsibilities as a father.

Meanwhile, his NFL duties were also increasing, But Clete Blakeman has never allowed his work to get in his way of enjoying some family life. He undertakes a 36 hour gig, going to the match beforehand to prepare, and returns home after the game is finished, except for Sunday Night Games. The official also tries to go on leisure trips with his family, ensuring they don’t miss out on the fun.

However, seeing the game so close has left an impact on him. In an Omaha magazine interview in 2024, he was asked if he would encourage his son to become a footballer. He didn’t deny that, but was considerate enough to leave the decision to his son. But the fans are happy to see him. They love him for his looks and his love for life as well.

On Sunday, millions of fans will be scrutinising at his actions on the field. It’s the AFC Championship game between the Chiefs and Bills. Will his legacy be enhanced or will it get dragged into that nagging narrative that just won’t go away?