NFL playoffs: Patriots went 3-0 with AFC Championship referee in 2025; Rams are 7-0 with NFC title game ref
The NFL has officially revealed the referees for the AFC and NFC title games this weekend, and the two refs actually have a lot in common.
The referee for the AFC Championship is Alex Kemp. The ref in the NFC title game is Clay Martin. Both were promoted to the job of ref in 2018, and both will be serving as the referee in a conference title game for the first time this Sunday.
AFC Championship referee: Alex Kemp
Kemp has officiated a total of seven playoff games in his career, but this will be his first time working a conference title game. His last postseason assignment prior to this was during a wild card game in 2024 where the Ravens defeated the Steelers.
At 52 years old, Kemp began his NFL officiating career as a field judge in 2014 before he became a referee in 2018. Notably, his crew averaged 115.1 penalty yards per game in 2025, which ranked fourth in the NFL, according to NFLPenalties.com. However, he won’t be working with his regular crew, so it is likely that number will decrease.
Here’s how the Broncos and Patriots have performed when Kemp has been the referee:
- Broncos: 3-1 (1-0 in 2025)
- Patriots: 4-4 (3-0 in 2025)
The AFC title game marks Kemp’s fourth time serving as the ref for a Patriots game since November 1. The previous three instances occurred when the Patriots beat the Buccaneers, Giants, and Jets. The Broncos, on the other hand, have not seen Kemp since Week 1 when he officiated their season-opening win over the Titans.
Kickoff for the AFC title game is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on CBS.
NFC Championship referee: Clay Martin
This game marks the seventh playoff game for the 50-year-old Martin, who has been an NFL official since 2015. His last postseason assignment was during a 2024 divisional round game, where the Chiefs overcame the Texans.
Martin initially joined the NFL as an umpire, holding that position for three years before becoming a referee in 2018. Here’s how the Rams and Seahawks have performed with Martin officiating:
- Rams: 7-0 (1-0 in 2025)
- Seahawks: 4-3 (1-0 in 2025)
The Seahawks only had one encounter with Martin this season, winning against the Jaguars in Week 6. The Rams likewise played a single match officiated by Martin, where they defeated the Buccaneers in Week 12.
Martin also refereed a previous game between the Rams and Seahawks in 2024 that ended with a Rams victory, showcasing a game filled with 20 penalties.
The NFC Championship game is set to kick off on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox.
