Shawn Smith takes Detroit wherever he goes. In February, it was on the field for Super Bowl LX.
The Cody High School graduate and Ferris State University alum reached a new level in his career, becoming the fourth Black referee in NFL history to work the Super Bowl.
Smith, who was honored Tuesday by Detroit City Council with a testimonial resolution, didn’t set out with a goal of being in the NFL or the Super Bowl, he said he “just wanted to be involved in the game.”
“I was a Herman Gardens kid. I never knew where athletics would take me,” said Smith, noting he originally wanted to be an NFL player, but once he realized it wouldn’t be in the cards, he knew that he wanted to have a job of some kind in sports and that officiating “gave me satisfaction.”
Smith said the more elevated his role has become in the football industry, he’s always felt supported and loyal to his hometown.
“The support that I received from the city when my assignment (with Super Bowl LX) went public, it was just overwhelming,” he said. “I am glad to be part of that journey to give folks some excitement.”
“I take Detroit wherever I go. I never plan on leaving. This is my home. It will always be my home.”
Smith entered the NFL in 2015 as an umpire and earned the role of referee in 2018 and worked his way up to a trusted alternate for multiple Super Bowls and when he achieved the lead role last season he “took us with him, Detroit,” Detroit City Council President James Tate told his colleagues and attendees of the council meeting.
“He shared in media interviews that in that moment during the coin toss there was a little bit of nerves. That tells you everything you need about this man. It all started right here in the city of Detroit. His journey is a reminder to young people across the city of Detroit, that hard work pays off,” Tate said. “It represents what is possible when you stay committed to your path.”
District 7 City Councilman Denzel McCampbell thanked Smith for being the pride of his district and Cody High. Council Members Angela Whitfield-Calloway and Latisha Johnson also praised Smith for his commitment to the city and his craft.
“You are a role model, not just for young men, but young women, too,” Whitfield-Calloway said.
Smith drew a correlation Tuesday between his role and the role of the City Council, saying members are often in a “no-win situation” and serve as “guardians of rules and making sure the game is played fair,” he said. “I empathize with you guys.”
