04/14/2026
Rest Easy Noel. We will miss you.
RIP Noel Rego: A Legend of the Miami Sidelines
​The South Florida football community has lost a true fixture of the game. Noel Rego, a man who dedicated decades to the integrity of the sport as a vital member of chain gangs and replay officiating crews, has passed away unexpectedly this past week.
​From Friday night lights at the high school level to the high-stakes intensity of college and professional Saturdays and Sundays in Miami, Noel was a constant, professional presence. Whether he was working the sidelines at the historic Orange Bowl or the modern turf of Hard Rock Stadium, he brought a level of dedication that only those who truly love the game can provide.
Noel’s career spanned the full spectrum of football in Miami:
​High School: Mentoring young athletes through his presence on the officiating crews.
​College: A familiar face at University of Miami games, witnessing decades of Hurricanes history from the best seat in the house.
​Professional: Serving on the chain crews for the Miami Dolphins, ensuring every crucial inch was accounted for.
Beyond the measurements and the penalties, Noel was known for his camaraderie. He was a "referee’s referee"—the kind of person who made the long hours on the sidelines feel like a gathering of family. The photos of him alongside legendary figures like Don Shula and modern icons like Ray Lewis speak to the respect he earned across eras.
​To the fans, he might have been a figure in stripes or a vest moving the markers, but to the Miami football family, he was an essential part of the game’s heartbeat. ​Rest in peace, Noel. The sidelines won't be the same without you.