Gene Steratore CBS: Former NFL Referee’s Impact as Sports Rules Analyst
Gene Steratore has transformed from a respected on-field official to one of the most valuable voices in sports broadcasting.
Since joining CBS Sports in 2018 as their NFL and NCAA Rules Analyst, Steratore brings clarity to complex game situations. He helps viewers understand everything from a running back’s fumble to the precise measurement of a crucial first down.
His honest assessment of calls has become a hallmark of CBS broadcasts during both football and basketball coverage.
Beyond his broadcasting career, Steratore balances his media responsibilities with his role as Vice President at Steratore Sanitary Supply, a company he has helped run since 1988.
His expertise gained from officiating high-profile events, including Super Bowl LII, has made him an indispensable part of CBS’s coverage team. Most recently, in March 2025, he provided crucial analysis on controversial travel calls during college basketball’s championship tournament.
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Who Is Gene Steratore?
Gene Steratore has become a familiar face to football fans across America, transitioning from his role as an NFL referee to a respected rules analyst for CBS Sports. His expertise spans both football and basketball officiating, making him a valuable voice in sports broadcasting.
Pennsylvania Roots
Born and raised in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, about 50 miles south of Pittsburgh, Steratore’s connection to sports officiating runs deep. His father, Gene Steratore Sr., worked as both a college football official and basketball referee, planting the seeds for his son’s future career.
This family tradition of officiating created a strong foundation for Gene and his brother Tony, who both followed in their father’s footsteps.
Current Home
Steratore now lives in Washington, Pennsylvania, southwest of the Pittsburgh area. While balancing his television duties, he remains firmly connected to his Pennsylvania roots as co-owner of Steratore Sanitary Supply, a family business he’s been involved with since 1988.
His local ties allow him to maintain strong community connections while juggling his national broadcasting responsibilities.
| Steratore’s Career Highlights | |
|---|---|
| NFL Referee | Retired in 2018 |
| CBS Sports Role | NFL & NCAA Basketball Rules Analyst |
| Notable Games | Super Bowl LII |
| Business | VP, Steratore Sanitary Supply |
Family Life
While Steratore maintains a relatively private personal life, we know he is married and places high value on family relationships.
Unlike his highly visible professional career—where fans recognize him from both his 15-year NFL officiating tenure and current CBS analyst role—he keeps details about his wife and immediate family largely out of the public eye.
This balance between professional visibility and personal privacy seems to work well for Steratore, who continues to excel in his broadcasting career while maintaining strong family bonds.
Gene Steratore’s Basketball Officiating Journey
College Basketball Playing Experience
Gene Steratore never played basketball at the collegiate level. His connection to basketball came through a different avenue – officiating.
Rather than competing on the hardwood, Steratore developed his basketball expertise by studying the rulebook and enforcing those rules on the court.
His passion for the game manifested through ensuring fair play rather than scoring points. This officiating path eventually led him to a 22-year career in NCAA Division I basketball.
Professional Playing Career
Steratore never played in the NBA. While many basketball personalities transition from playing careers to other roles in the sport, Steratore took a different route.
His basketball journey focused entirely on officiating and rule enforcement.
His understanding of basketball came from studying the game as an official rather than experiencing it as a player at the professional level. This perspective gave him unique insights that would later prove valuable in his broadcasting career.
College Coaching Background
Despite his deep knowledge of basketball rules and game situations, Steratore never coached at the collegiate level.
Instead of directing players from the sidelines, he maintained order on the court as an official.
He did, however, take on supervisory roles in college athletics, serving as a supervisor for both the Mountain East Conference since March 2013 and the Presidents’ Athletic Conference since January.
NBA Coaching Experience
Steratore never coached in the NBA. His basketball career focused entirely on officiating and later analyzing rules for broadcasts.
After his officiating career, Steratore transitioned to a media role, becoming the NFL and NCAA rules analyst for CBS Sports in June 2018.
In this capacity, he provides expert commentary on basketball officiating during college games and March Madness tournaments, bringing his expertise to millions of viewers.
Gene Steratore’s Broadcasting Journey
CBS Sports Partnership History
Gene Steratore began his television career at CBS Sports in June 2018, immediately following his retirement from officiating.
His deep understanding of NFL and NCAA basketball rules made him an ideal candidate for the rules analyst position. Steratore’s ability to explain complex officiating decisions in simple terms quickly established him as a valuable addition to the broadcast team.
During his early days at CBS, viewers appreciated his clear explanations during controversial calls. This was particularly true during critical moments of NFL games when replay reviews determined game outcomes.
Current Network Affiliation
Today, Steratore continues his role as the NFL and NCAA rules analyst for CBS, where he has worked for nearly seven years.
His responsibilities have expanded beyond simply explaining penalty calls. He now regularly contributes to discussions about rule changes, officiating trends, and the impact of reviews on game flow.
During March Madness broadcasts, his expertise becomes particularly valuable when explaining crucial late-game calls that often determine which teams advance in the tournament.
| Role | Network | Start Date | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL & NCAA Rules Analyst | CBS Sports | June 2018 | 6+ years |
| Elite Eight Analysis | March Madness | 2019-Present | 5+ years |
| Super Bowl Coverage | CBS | 2019, 2021, 2023 | 3 events |
Broadcast Team Colleagues
Steratore typically works alongside Jim Nantz and Tony Romo during CBS’s premier NFL broadcasts.
This three-person team has developed remarkable chemistry, with Steratore seamlessly integrating his rules expertise into their commentary. When controversial plays occur, Nantz often turns to Steratore for immediate analysis, while Romo provides the former player’s perspective.
This combination gives viewers a comprehensive understanding of critical moments, especially during touchdown reviews or complex penalty situations involving the Philadelphia Eagles or Las Vegas Raiders – teams that have been involved in several memorable rules discussions.
NBA Coverage Aspirations
Steratore has not publicly expressed interest in expanding to NBA coverage.
His expertise remains firmly rooted in football and college basketball officiating, where he spent decades refining his craft.
Unlike some analysts who seek to broaden their portfolio across multiple sports, Steratore appears content focusing on the sports where his knowledge runs deepest.
This specialization has allowed him to develop unparalleled insights into NFL rules interpretations and college basketball officiating nuances.
Career Trajectory
Steratore’s broadcasting future looks promising. As rules continue to evolve in both the NFL and college basketball, his expertise becomes increasingly valuable to both CBS and viewers.
Industry insiders suggest he could potentially expand his role to include special segments focused exclusively on rules education. He could also develop content examining how officiating impacts championship outcomes.
His clear communication style and deep knowledge base position him well for continued success at CBS Sports for years to come.
Notable Professional Accomplishments
Steratore’s most significant broadcasting achievement has been his contribution to multiple Super Bowl broadcasts, where his analysis reached audiences of over 100 million viewers.
During these high-stakes games, his ability to quickly interpret complex situations has enhanced viewer understanding of critical calls. He has also earned recognition for his work during March Madness tournaments, particularly during Elite Eight matchups where officiating decisions can determine Final Four participants.
Comparable Broadcasting Professionals
Several former officials have followed similar career paths to Steratore, most notably Mike Pereira at Fox Sports. Both men transitioned from on-field officiating to television analysis, bringing authentic insights to viewers.
Other comparable figures include John Parry (ESPN) and Terry McAulay (NBC). However, many industry analysts consider Steratore particularly effective at balancing technical accuracy with accessible explanations. His calm demeanor during controversial calls stands in contrast to some analysts who adopt more dramatic approaches.
Speaking Circuit Involvement
Steratore regularly participates in corporate speaking engagements between broadcast assignments.
His presentations typically focus on decision-making under pressure, teamwork, and maintaining composure in high-stress environments—skills he developed during his officiating career.
Business groups and sports management programs particularly value his insights on leadership and split-second decision making.
While his speaking fee isn’t publicly disclosed, former officials with his credentials typically command $10,000-15,000 per appearance.
Podcast and Digital Presence
Currently, Steratore does not host his own podcast, unlike some sports personalities who have embraced independent digital content creation.
His media presence remains primarily tied to CBS Sports programming and occasional guest appearances on sports radio shows.
While fans have expressed interest in hearing more in-depth rules discussions from him in podcast format, he has thus far maintained his focus on television analysis rather than launching independent content ventures.
What’s Gene Steratore Worth Now?
Steratore’s CBS Contract Value
Gene Steratore joined the CBS Sports team in fall 2018 as their rules analyst following his retirement from on-field officiating. His unique dual expertise in both football and basketball makes him particularly valuable to the network.
The former referee provides analysis across multiple major sporting events including:
- NFL regular season broadcasts
- College football games
- NCAA basketball regular season
- March Madness tournament coverage
CBS hasn’t publicly disclosed the exact terms of Steratore’s contract. However, industry experts recognize his value. They say his ability to clearly explain complex officiating decisions to viewers is what makes him valuable. His smooth transition from field official to television analyst has proven successful for both parties.
Steratore’s Annual Earnings
Steratore earns approximately $95,000 annually in his role as CBS Sports rules analyst. This breaks down to roughly $48.72 per hour based on standard broadcasting schedules.
| Income Source | Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| CBS Analyst Salary | $95,000 |
| Estimated Hourly Rate | $48.72 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $5 million |
His comprehensive net worth of around $5 million reflects not just his current broadcasting role but also his lengthy career as an elite sports official in both the NFL and NCAA basketball.
Steratore’s financial standing demonstrates how specialized knowledge and on-camera presence can create significant value in sports broadcasting.
Contributions to Sports Officiating Education
In addition to his role as a rules analyst, Gene Steratore has made significant contributions to the education and training of aspiring sports officials. Recognizing the increasing complexity of rules and the challenges faced by new referees, Steratore has been actively involved in various officiating clinics and workshops. His participation in these educational programs emphasizes the importance of clear communication and understanding of the rules, which are crucial for effective officiating.
Steratore has developed training materials that focus on the “Steratore Method” of rule explanation, which encourages officials to articulate their decisions in a way that is easily understood by players, coaches, and fans alike. This approach not only enhances the officiating experience but also fosters respect for officials in the sporting community. By sharing his extensive knowledge and practical insights, Steratore aims to inspire the next generation of referees and improve the overall standards of officiating across all levels of sport.
Moreover, Steratore’s commitment to mentoring extends beyond formal training sessions. He often engages with young officials through social media platforms, answering questions and providing guidance on various officiating scenarios. This direct interaction helps demystify the officiating process and builds a bridge between experienced referees and those just starting their careers. Through these efforts, Gene Steratore is not only shaping the future of sports officiating but also reinforcing the vital role that officials play in the integrity of sports.