So last night the NFL kicked off the 2016 season with a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl that featured the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. There were many intriguing story lines and reasons to watch- how would the Bronco’s fair with a new QB under center, would Cam continue his dominance adding to his 2015 MVP performance, or how would Kelvin Benjamin do in his return to the field in over a year. Whatever sparked your interest, there was neither spark nor interest out of long time NFL veteran referee Gene Steratore.

Gene Steratore has been working in the NFL since 2003, while also reffing NCAA football and basketball games. In addition to being super-ref by night, during the days him and his brother Frank Steratore own a janitorial supply company out of Pennsylvania. I shit you not.

Now in trying to get my point across to you, I am lacking real strong video evidence of what I am talking about, but take my word for it- this guy is over it. He doesn’t understand why you don’t understand. When he turns to the crowd, flips his mic on and delivers a call, he says it in such a way as if 1. He’s so over his fucking job, 2. He can’t believe he has to explain to you what the fuck just happened.

When he throws a flag and has to speak he is almost saying “No shit that was a hold. I don’t know why I have to stand here and fucking explain to you who did it and how he is being punished.” He has the employee demeanor of someone who has worked at the DMV for 13 years. In last night’s game he had to deliver a “There was no foul on a play” after picking up a flag from one of his crew mates and he might as well have just got on the mic and said “I don’t know what that fucking idiot saw. Sorry for wasting your time with that ignorant-ass flag toss.”

This being said- I respect him. He’s at work. I’m not particularly pleasant at work, just cause he’s on TV doesn’t mean he has to be either. Like fuck you lazy America. You’re high as fuck on a Fall Sunday balls deep in a jar of queso dip monitoring your fantasy football teams and Janitor Gene is making sure these meatheads aren’t putting their hands on each others’ faces.

In addition. He probably hates his wife and his only son is probably a dancer or something that would severely disappoint the stereotypical jock-janitor-supply-dad (I made all of that up). And like I said before, the guys working four jobs.

But that makes perfect sense. The veteran ref from a Pittsburgh suburb also owns a janitorial supply company with his brother Frank is fucking tired of his job and he’s sick of you. Every penalty, clock stoppage, or delay in the game prevents him from getting home- so fuck off and obey the fucking rules. You’re professionals.

I encourage the next NFL game you watch with Jaded Gene, take a look and gaze deep to witness the pain behind those eyes. Or, if you’re looking to buy plungers in bulk, dial (724)-223-0266 and ask for Gene.