“Fehlstart!” The German word for “false start” rang out across Frankfurt Stadium, drawing cheers from the local crowd. This wasn’t a Bundesliga match, but an NFL game in November 2023, and the man behind the microphone was none other than Clay Martin. The Oklahoma native’s linguistic flair is just one piece of the puzzle that makes up the NFL’s most intriguing zebra.

As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants clashed on the gridiron, all eyes turned to the man in stripes. Clay Martin will be the referee for this pivotal NFC East showdown, bringing his wealth of experience – and recent baggage – to AT&T Stadium.

Martin’s journey to the NFL’s officiating elite is far from typical. Before donning the black and white, he was draining three-pointers for Oklahoma Baptist University. His hardwood heroics earned him a spot in the OBU Hall of Fame, but Martin wasn’t content to rest on his laurels. He traded his jersey for a whistle, becoming a high school basketball coach in Tulsa.

The NFL came knocking in 2015, offering Martin a position as an umpire. His keen eye and commanding presence quickly caught the league’s attention. By 2018, he’d been promoted to the coveted role of referee. It seemed like a fairy tale rise through the ranks, but recent events have cast a shadow over Martin’s sterling reputation.

During a critical AFC South battle between the Jaguars and Texans, Martin’s crew botched a crucial call. As Yahoo Sports reported on November 27, 2023, Texans safety Jalen Pitre “mugged” Jaguars tight end Evan Engram, but no flag flew. The result? An interception that never should have happened, gifting Houston a game-changing opportunity.

Know more about Clay Martin his salary, net worth & more

While controversy might be Martin’s current calling card, there’s more to this referee than missed calls and German linguistics. In his late 40s, he’s built a life that extends far beyond the gridiron.

Martin’s faith plays a central role in his approach to both officiating and life. In a 2019 interview with Sports Spectrum, he shared a guiding principle: “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men.” This verse from Colossians 3:23 has shaped Martin’s work ethic since high school.

When he’s not dodging angry coaches on Sundays, Martin can still be found courtside. He continues to coach men’s basketball at Jenks High School in Tulsa, balancing the bright lights of the NFL with the squeaking sneakers of high school hoops.

While the NFL keeps its officials’ exact salaries under wraps, reports suggest Martin likely earns around $205,000 a year for his on-field duties. That breaks down to about $11,400 per game – not too shabby for a part-time gig. Throw in those juicy playoff bonuses – reportedly up to $5,000 per game – and it’s clear why officiating at the highest level is an attractive career path. As for Martin’s net worth, that information remains as elusive as a perfectly officiated game.

Martin’s weekly routine is a far cry from the average 9-to-5. “Sunday is just a blur,” he told Sports Spectrum. “We wake up, do a crew devotion, eat breakfast, leave for the stadium…” The work doesn’t end at the final whistle. Martin spends his flights home reviewing game tape, preparing reports, and studying for the next matchup.

As the Cowboys and Giants matchup progresses, they’d do well to remember the man in the middle. Clay Martin isn’t just a whistle-blower or a controversy magnet. He’s a devoted coach, and a man striving to give his best – both to the game and to his faith. Let’s just hope he leaves the “magic 8-ball” at home this Sunday.