Long-serving NFL referee passed away on New Year’s Day. He was 97.
Art McNally was an NFL referee who served as the league’s American football executive from 1968 to 1991. McNally officiated over 3,000 games and even officiated several NBA games. He made history by becoming the first NFL game official to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
A Temple University graduate, McNally served in the Marines during World War II. He loved sports and was a teacher/coach at Central High School in Philadelphia.
Among other firsts, McNally oversaw the first NFL instant replay system in 1986 and was also the first recipient of the Gold Whistle Award in 1988. But perhaps his most impressive achievement is that he paved the way for many other officials to participate on the field and also helped peers become part of the televised side of the game, offering interpretations and helping fans better understand the game.
Art McNally, a trailblazer and significant contributor to the game, will be missed.
