NFL Ref Who Channeled His Inner Undertaker Quickly Became a Meme

An NFL referee went viral on Sunday during the opening weekend of the 2023 season, but fortunately, it wasn’t for an errant penalty call.

During the Week 1 clash between the Cardinals and Commanders, one referee could be seen hitting the ground after he was run into during a play. After sitting back up, the referee threw a penalty flag while still sitting on the ground, prompting fans to compare the moment to that of WWE icon The Undertaker rising from the casket.

The referee, Derick Bowers, was hit by as many as three players, including Washington quarterback Sam Howell, who was tackled out of bounds while scrambling with the football. Kyzir White was charged with a late hit on the play.

Bowers, unfortunately, was shaken up on the play and was forced to exit the game after suffering an injury to his left arm, though he certainly made a mark on social media before making his leave. Bowers could be seen clutching his arm after throwing the flag.

The unintentionally hilarious way Bowers threw his flag went viral online, with a slew of fans likening it to the iconic moment from The Undertaker.