Ref Craig Wrolstad Apologizes to Seahawks, Denies Favoritism — Urges Team to Withdraw Complaint to Avoid Suspension
Seattle, WA – October 8, 2025
Just one day after being suspended for his role in the controversial ending of the Seahawks–Buccaneers matchup, referee Craig Wrolstad has issued a public apology to the
Wrolstad admitted that several critical calls late in the game — including the phantom defensive holding on
“We made errors that affected the outcome, and I take full responsibility,”
The NFL’s decision to suspend Crew 12 indefinitely came after national backlash and a formal complaint filed by the Seahawks, who argued that the inconsistent officiating cost them a crucial win. Wrolstad said he hopes the organization will “reconsider” that complaint to prevent the entire crew from facing long-term suspension.
He also addressed the final sequence — when multiple holding and illegal contact penalties gave Tampa Bay the field position for the game-winning field goal — saying that “the sequence spiraled out of rhythm” and that he “should have taken greater control of the situation.”
“The last minutes were chaotic,” Wrolstad explained. “We tried to manage pace, communication, and precision, but we failed to maintain balance. I sincerely apologize to Coach Carroll, the players, and the fans who deserved better.”
While Wrolstad’s apology has drawn both sympathy and frustration, it marks one of the few times in recent NFL history that a head referee has publicly taken ownership of officiating mistakes that directly influenced a game’s outcome.
For Seahawks fans, though, the sentiment is bittersweet. The loss still stands — and so does the feeling that their fight wasn’t just against Tampa Bay, but against the stripes themselves.
Lions-Colts in Talks to Trade Former 1st-Round DE to Counter Parsons
Detroit, MI – September 5, 2025
The Green Bay Packers shocked the NFL by landing Micah Parsons in a blockbuster trade, and the ripple effects are already being felt across the NFC North. For the Detroit Lions, the move raised immediate concerns about keeping pace in a division where pass-rush talent just reached a new level.
According to league sources, the Lions are now engaged in discussions with the Indianapolis Colts regarding a trade for a former first-round defensive end. Detroit’s front office views strengthening the edge as a top priority, especially after Parsons’ arrival tilted the balance of power.
The Lions already have one of the league’s premier young stars in Aidan Hutchinson, but the lack of a reliable counterpart has forced him to absorb constant double-teams. To truly match Green Bay’s upgraded front, Detroit knows it must add a proven, every-down edge threat.
That’s where Kwity Paye enters the picture. Drafted 21st overall in 2021, the Michigan alum has become a steady presence in Indianapolis, notching 8.5 and 8.0 sacks in his last two seasons. His durability and production would instantly give Hutchinson the support he needs.
The Colts picked up Paye’s fifth-year option this offseason, keeping him under contract at a manageable $13 million for 2025. But with rookies Laiatu Latu and JT Tuimoloau added to the defensive line, Indianapolis may be willing to entertain offers if the return is strong enough.
Analysts suggest a package involving a 2026 third-round pick and a conditional fifth could be enough to make a deal happen. While not as seismic as the Parsons trade, Paye’s consistency and upside make him a high-value target for a Lions team eager to sustain momentum.
For Detroit, this is about more than just roster depth. Pairing Paye with Hutchinson would create one of the NFC’s most formidable duos, capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks and answering Green Bay’s sudden surge in pass-rushing firepower.
Talks remain preliminary, but the urgency is clear. In a division reshaped overnight by Parsons’ arrival, the Lions appear determined to respond in kind — and Kwity Paye could be the counterpunch they need.
