Fox Sports’ top NFL analyst is expected to miss the entire season on live television after being housebound with a back injury

FOX SPORTS NFL officiating expert Mike Pereira missed the start of the 2023 NFL season and took to social media to share why he was absent.

The 73-year-old acting Fox Sports pundit shared on social media that he is at risk of missing the entire NFL season as he recovers from a back injury.

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Pereira’s media appearance was the first of its kind in 2010, and fans quickly applauded having a former NFL referee explain the rules during the broadcast.

Since then, every other sports broadcaster has adopted his role as a media expert in their programs.

On Sunday, Pereira took to X, formerly Twitter, to update fans on why he wasn’t featured in any Week 1 games.

“Well, the season is starting and for me I’m on the IR.

“A bad back and upcoming surgery are keeping me from traveling and keeping me at home,” says Pereira tweeted.

However, despite the injury, Pereira stated that he will continue to answer questions from NFL fans throughout the season.

“It’s a blessing not to see me on TV all season.

“I will be able to answer your questions throughout the week,” Pereira tweeted.

Pereira rose from the college football ranks and officiated at the collegiate level for 13 years before moving on to the NFL.

He served as an NFL sideline judge for two years before taking over the league’s management in 1998.

Pereira later became vice president for administration and held that position for five years.

He joined Fox Sports in 2010 as a rules analyst and is considered a key influencer for other former referees who landed gigs at networks, such as Gene Steratore, who went to CBS, Terry McAulay to NBC and John Parry to ESPN.