Morelli officiated the AFC divisional playoff game in January 2006 between the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers.

In the fourth quarter, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu intercepted a Peyton Manning pass and in the process he fumbled the ball, then recovered.

[5] Colts head coach Tony Dungy challenged the call, and upon review on instant replay, Morelli overturned the ruling.

"[5] A day after the game, the NFL released a statement confirming that Polamalu made the interception, refuting the overturn call of Morelli.

[5] Mike Pereira, then-the league's vice president of officiating, said, "[Polamalu] maintained possession long enough to establish a catch.

Towards the end of regulation, Browns placekicker Phil Dawson attempted a 51-yard field goal to tie the game and force an overtime period.

[12] This, along with two other hits on Favre that did draw penalty flags from Morelli's crew,[13] later became one of the many examples cited in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, in which the Saints were accused of operating a slush fund that paid out bonuses for in-game performance in violation of NFL rules.

[16] Morelli's final NFL game as referee was the 2019 Pro Bowl in Orlando, Florida, along with Walt Coleman.