(Over the course of the week, the Lincoln Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers favorites).
by Malcolm Butler
Max Causey has football in his blood.
When your grandfather was the legendary Louisiana Tech Hall of Fame Coach Maxie Lambright and your late father John Causey was a player and a coach, well you grow up around the sport.
And that’s what Max did.
From his playing days in elementary school and junior high to West Monroe High School and Louisiana Tech University, Max has lived and breathed the game for his entire life.
Now in his third year as an NFL official, the Ruston native will be “playing” in the biggest game of his career next Sunday when he serves as the line judge on the crew calling the Super Bowl match-up between Kansas City and Philadelphia at the Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans.
Although NFL officials aren’t allowed to conduct interviews during the season, Max – and his Super Bowl officiating teammates – were interviewed by the NFL this week leading up to the big game.
“Getting (to work) the Super Bowl is a tremendous honor,” said Max in his interview. “It’s obviously the pinnacle of our sport. When you think about a lot of the great officials in the history of our game who have gotten this assignment, it’s an extremely high honor.
“And when you think of many of the great officials who for whatever reason don’t get this opportunity, I’m going to bring in spirit with me.”
Typical Max answer. Honored and always thinking of others.
So how important has the game been in his life?
“Outside of my relationship with Jesus Christ and my family, there has been nothing in my life that has impacted me more than the game of football,” said Max. “I have been around the game my entire life. My grandfather was a player and coach. My dad was a player and coach. I grew up around the sport. I have loved the sport ever since I could remember.”
Following the end to his collegiate playing career with the Bulldogs, Max said he received a call one day from a friend of his. That phone call was the start to the journey to Super Bowl LIX.
“I played football and after I played football, I really wanted to stick around the game,” said Max. “So, I got into officiating. So, football is huge for me. I have learned so many life lessons from football, and it has truly shaped and molded me to be the person that I am today.
“I had a friend that played college football, and he called me, and he said that I should get involved in officiating. I got involved with my local high school association. I grew to love officiating. I had no objective, no goal, other than to be around the game of football. Shortly thereafter, I realized that I would love to advance my career, and here I am now.”
Yes, here he is … refereeing the best players in the world on the biggest stage in the world in his home state.
So why would anyone want to put themselves in a position to be on the wrong end of the wrath of NFL coaches, players and fans in the fall and winter?
That’s an easy answer for Max.
“I wear the stripes to strive to help to advance the game of football,” said Max.” I love this sport. I think it’s the greatest sport on earth. I love being involved in it. I love interacting with the players, the coaches, (and) my fellow officials.
“Being on an NFL field on a Sunday afternoon, there’s not much like it.”
On Sunday, February 9, Max and the Super Bowl crew will experience a different level of “Sunday afternoon” football.
And Ruston’s very own has earned the right to be among the greatest in the game to do so.
