The 2024 Super Bowl between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs will feature two Southern Utah University alumni, one refereeing and one filming. On Feb. 7, in Las Vegas’s Allegiant Stadium, the two former T-Birds will be behind the scenes of the biggest stage in the world.
As the current Southern Nevada Officials Association chair, alumnus Gary Reed will represent his hometown of Las Vegas in Nevada’s first year hosting a Super Bowl.
The 1997 SUU football star is no stranger to stepping onto a big stage. Last week, he refereed the NFL Pro Bowl’s flag football game, and this past December, he served on the crew for the PAC 12 Championship game.
During his time as a T-Bird, Reed dominated the field. In a 2014 piece celebrating 100 years of SUU football, Reed earned a spot as one of only seven defensive lineman to make the top 100 players in team history. However, after his career as a player came to an end, he picked up a passion for officiating.
“It’s amazing how you don’t understand the details of what the chain crew does, but when it’s third-and-six, the chains have to be right because the teams are using that as a reference point to get the first down, and you have to be spot on every time,” Reed said.
Former track and field athlete Bradford Boyer, on the other hand, will work exclusively behind the cameras on Sunday. With over 20 years of experience in the field of broadcast journalism since his 1999 graduation, Boyer has heavily prepared himself for an opportunity like this. He studied under journalism expert and current professor Jon Smith during his time here, picking up everything he could.
The Super Bowl won’t be the first time the two outstanding alumni take the field together.
“I met [Reed] at SUU while he played football. We met each other on the football field. He is the referee, and I am doing the filming. Once, he told me we will be at the Super Bowl one day. Crazy to think it’s actually happening. Two different brothers from other mothers but the game of football has brought us together! That’s why I love this game!” Boyer posted on Facebook.
Reed and Boyer will watch the battle for the Lombardi kick off at 4:30 p.m. MST. It can be viewed on CBS or with a subscription to Fubo, Paramount+ or YouTube TV.
Author: Kale Nelson
Photographer: Bradford Boyer on LinkedIn
Editor: Anden Garfield
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