NFL fans stunned to learn referee who broke up Raiders-Giants fight is Vice President at Citi Bank

Dec 29, 2025 - 14:00

It’s not everyday that an NFL referee sprints across the field and hurdles over team equipment to go and break up a brawl amongst players.

But that is exactly what Dominique Pender did on Sunday.

CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 08 – NFL official side judge Dominique Pender (114) in a game between the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) — NFL official Dominique Pender made the headlines in Week 17 for an impressive display of athleticism

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 28: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants reacts after a first down during the second quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) — It was the game dubbed the ‘Tank Bowl’ and it was not short of drama

Things got chippy during the clash between the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants as the two teams entered the matchup with identical losing records (2-13) – the worst in the NFL.

That was, of course, somewhat to be expected with just two games left of the season to decide who would get the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft and hold the advantage in the Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza sweepstakes.

Midway through the contest, Big Blue cornerback Rico Payton and Raiders corner Chigozie Anusiem got into a tangle which spilled over into the Giants sideline, and almost into the crowd.

It appeared that Payton attempted to stamp on the head of Anusiem – after shocking footage later emerged from a fan’s perspective – after shoving him into a water cooler before the Raiders rival responded by tackling him to the ground.

View Tweet: https://t.co/SkNiavHGmg

Payton’s Giants teammates rallied around to intervene, but it was referee Pender who attracted the attention of many after sprinting 30 yards down the sideline and even hurdling over team equipment as he sought the quickest route to reaching the ongoing melee.

“Thats actually pretty impressive. Duck and weave, jump obstacles, get dirty … all in days work,” one fan posted to X (formerly Twitter).

“Seems to me he should be playing in the NFL, not refereeing the games. Dude got wheels,” another fan joked.

Jaxson Dart and the Giants went on to win the game at Allegiant Stadium 34-10, snapping a nine-game losing skid and climbing to 3-13 on the season.

But this came at the cost of putting the Raiders into pole position for the coveted first overall pick after they dropped to 2-14 with one game left of the season against the Patrick Mahomes-less Kansas City Chiefs.

Both teams are expected to receive punishment from the league in the aftermath of the brawl, with standard fines for fighting being in the region of $40,686 per involved player.

New York Giants clash against Las Vegas Raiders descends into chaos as huge brawl breaks out on sideline — A melee ensued when a tangle between Giants CB Payton and Raiders CB Anusiem spilled out of bounds

NFL side judge Dominique Pender sprinted 30 yards down the sideline as he intervened to put an end to the melee

Fans stunned to find out NFL official’s life outside of football

Whilst much of the narrative after the game was centered around the Giants once again giving up the chance for the No. 1 pick by pulling off a win in Week 17 as they also did in the 2024 season, there was also an incredible story emerging about the official that stole the show.

Pender is in his sixth season in the NFL, primarily serving as a side judge, though he has also been a field judge, serving on the crew headed by Land Clark.

Outside of football, it turns out that Pender has quite the resumé.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Finance degree from Howard University – the same HBCU that former vice president Kamala Harris attended – and a Masters in Secondary Education and Teaching from Teachers College at Columbia University.

Not only that, Pender is also a Vice President at Citi Bank, a role he has held for almost four years.

When the revelation of this information emerged, NFL fans were left stunned.

Pender could be seen climbing over equipment to reach the spot of the brawl — Pender could be seen climbing over sideline equipment to reach the spot of the brawl

Pender is in his sixth season in the NFL, primarily serving as a Side Judge

“WAIT…. NFL Refs have “Day Jobs” ???????,” one fan commented.

“Wow talk about a crazy part time job ,” another wrote.

“Built different brains hustle and athleticism all in one redefining what excellence looks like on and off the field,” a third said, praising Pender for what he showed on the field.

NFL officials are estimated to earn an average annual salary of $205,000 based on indications from previous collective bargaining agreements.

With referees typically given a 19-game assignment for the season (including the preseason but not the playoffs), their average earnings lie in the region of $10,800 per game.

They also receive bonuses, which puts Pender in a favorable financial position.

Fair play.

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