Walt Anderson

Walter John Anderson (born September 29, 1952) He wore uniform number 66. Anderson spent his first seven seasons in the NFL as a line judge before being promoted to referee for the start of the 2003 NFL season after Dick Hantak and Bob McElwee announced their retirements.

After retiring from officiating, he was the NFL senior vice president of officiating training & development from May 2020 to April 2024. He played quarterback for his father at Channelview.

Other professions After completing his undergraduate studies at Sam Houston State University and receiving a doctorate of dentistry from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Dentistry, he became a dentist. He was the referee in the January 18, 2015 AFC Championship game, known for the deflategate controversy. Anderson cites Super Bowl XXXV as being his most memorable game.

Anderson refereed the final NFL game in San Diego, a Kansas City Chiefs win over the Chargers.

Anderson's 2019 NFL officiating crew consisted of umpire Ruben Fowler, down judge Tom Stephan, line judge Byron Boston, field judge Lee Dyer, side judge Rick Patterson, back judge Keith Ferguson, replay official Brian Matoren, and replay assistant Saleem Choudhry.

Anderson's final NFL game as referee was a 2019 NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. After that game, he retired from officiating and was promoted to the NFL front office as a senior vice president in 2020. In April 2024, he transitioned to a new role as NFL rules analyst and club communications liaison.

On March 27, 2026, Anderson was named a defendant in a lawsuit by former referee Robin DeLorenzo over claims of gender-based discrimination from 2022 to 2025.