NFL Suspends Referee Ron Torbert After Missed Illegal Formation Calls in Cowboys-Packers Tie

The NFL has suspended veteran referee Ron Torbert and his crew for one week after failing to penalize repeated illegal formations by the Green Bay Packers during Sunday night’s 40-40 tie with the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas and Green Bay battled through four quarters and overtime in what became the second-highest scoring tie in NFL history. Dak Prescott led a field goal drive in OT, only for Jordan Love to answer late.

With the Packers facing 3rd-and-14 at the Dallas 16-yard line, confusion reigned. Green Bay appeared to line up illegally, yet no flags were thrown. The snap set up a 48-yard, game-tying field goal with one second left.

Jordan Love chucks the ball in the endzone and the Packers and Cowboys tied 🔥

One of the best games I think I’ve ever watched, second highest tied scoring game of all time.

pic.twitter.com/jhzvG7EQCM — SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 29, 2025

Video reviews showed left tackle Rasheed Walker and left guard Elgton Jenkins off the line of scrimmage. Under NFL rules, such violations should have triggered a 10-second runoff, ending the game in Dallas’ favor.

Fans erupted online. One wrote: “Packers got away with an illegal formation which should’ve been a penalty requiring a runoff.” Another added: “I guess it’s never getting called in that situation, but sure looked illegal.”

Former coach Rex Ryan was blunt on ESPN’s Get Up: “They’re not even lined up right… the Packers never looked ready for the moment.” He said officials “let things slide” in the chaotic overtime sequence.

On Monday, the NFL confirmed Torbert’s suspension for an “internal officiating review.” The league also fined the Packers $50,000 for formation violations, underscoring its stance on consistency after weeks of mounting officiating controversies.

The tie leaves Green Bay 2-1-1 and Dallas 1-2-1. The Cowboys now shift focus to the Vikings in Week 4 under referee Carl Cheffers, hoping to avoid more officiating drama as playoff hopes remain fragile.