In a stunning turn of events, Mike Pereira, a former NFL sideline judge and vice president for league officiating, found himself at the lowest point of his life. The excruciating back pain he experienced seemed unbearable, leading him to contemplate giving up altogether. Despite trying various methods of pain management recommended by doctors, including yoga and pilates, nothing seemed to alleviate his suffering. This once seemingly invincible figure in the world of football officiating was now consumed by thoughts of despair.
Reflecting on his struggles, Pereira revealed, “I almost gave up. I mean, I almost gave up on life as I knew it. I became such a burden to anybody around me and in so much pain that I laid in my bed saying, ‘Is it really worth this?’ I never thought of myself as someone who would contemplate that. When you’re in that much pain and it slips into your mind one time, it keeps going around your mind. You have to fight it.”
Despite the darkness that clouded his mind, Pereira found solace in small victories. He expressed, “I felt a sense of accomplishment over the simplest things. When you’ve been that low and then you feel the accomplishment of being able to achieve something that you couldn’t do before, your attitude changes.”
As he embarked on a journey of healing, Pereira’s spirit was lifted when he attended the NFC Championship Game in San Francisco. The outpouring of love and support from his colleagues at Fox Sports during a surprise visit left him overwhelmed. It was this moment that convinced Pereira of his determination to return to work.
With the unwavering support of his top bosses at Fox Sports, Pereira has chosen to continue his role as a rules analyst, balancing travel and studio work. His unexpected career as a broadcasting pioneer has provided him with a renewed sense of purpose and pride. Pereira remarked, “It’s wonderment because I never in my mind saw this job coming. I never thought when it was my time to retire from the NFL, I would have something like this available. I’m not only proud of the fact of what it has meant to us as former football officials and the role of trying to educate the fans, but I also take pride in the fact that I watch a soccer game, there’s a rules analyst. Same with the NBA.”
Despite the challenges he continues to face, Pereira remains grateful for the life he now leads. He emphasized, “There are things I can’t do, but I’m living my absolute best life at home and at work. Some people might say that, but because of the appreciation of where I’ve been, I really believe I’m living my best life today.”
In the face of adversity, Mike Pereira’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. To those who may be struggling with similar thoughts, he offers a beacon of hope: “If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.”
