Besides Ryan Reynolds [1], referee Clete Blakeman was the hot guy to watch at Super Bowl 50. The 51-year-old lead official (who's married [2] — sorry, guys) won over fans during the game with his fit physique, snug striped shirt, and general handsomeness. Other facts we know about Blakeman [3]: he's a personal injury lawyer, he was a backup quarterback at Nebraska in the '80s, and he lives in Omaha, NE. Fans tweeted their support with hashtags like #rippedref [4] and #hotref [5]. There's even a Hot Ref Twitter account [6], naturally.
And this morning we finally heard from him! Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb chatted with Blakeman on the Today show [7], asking, "Were you surprised? Were you thrilled? Were you embarrassed?" And he replied, "Actually a little bit of all — everything about it."
See some of our favorite tweets and hot pics of Blakeman in action over the years!
Where can I order a #Cleteblakeman [8] calendar??
— Jacquie (@Jacquie228) February 8, 2016 [9]
Sorry about that. My calls aren't as perfect as my pecs. #hotref [10] #SB50 [11] #SuperBowl [12]
— Hot Ref (@hotreferee) February 8, 2016 [13]
All I want is for the game to end with #HotRef [14] cuddling a doxie while riding a Clydesdale. Is that too much to ask?
— Lisa De Pasquale (@LisaDeP) February 8, 2016 [15]
#HotRef [16] only owns extra-small shirts. pic.twitter.com/ElkKaLRa0J [17]
— Justin D.M. Palmer (@justindmpalmer) February 8, 2016 [18]
More penalties please #HotRef [19].
— Alicia Diefenbach (@ConsumerUni) February 8, 2016 [20]
