Smaller the number, the longer service on the field, the higher salary they receive
They wear numbers for the same reasons that players do. So they can be identified.
It represents to which the number they got drafted.
45
NFL referees were never volunteers. However, many of them got their start in recreational leagues near their hometowns as volunteers.
44
number on jersey
13
#32
brett farve
yes
Defensive linemen
They are assigned to each game
The referees in an NFL game have a very difficult job in calling the game they are assigned to. The highest paid among the referees is unknown.
Every number from 1 to 99 has been used as a NFL jersey number at one time or another. The numbers 100 and above have never been used.