Art McNally, NFL Hall of Famer, has passed away. The former NFL referee is 97 years old. He is currently the only official inducted into the Hall of Fame.
According to TMZ Sports, Art’s son Tom McNally shared the news that his father passed away today of natural causes.
McNally was born in Pennsylvania. He worked as a referee and referee in the NFL for nine seasons beginning in 1959. In 1968, McNally was promoted. He became the chief executive officer of the NFL that year.
He would hold that role until 1990, when he moved away from football. He would eventually return to the NFL in 1996, when he joined as the officials’ assistant supervisor, a role he would hold until 2007.
In 2008, the legend referee transitioned into a role where he supervised and trained officials after more than a decade as assistant supervisor.
Art McNally wasn’t in storage until 2022, when he finally stepped in Hall of Fame. He was introduced in the summer.
Roger Goodell mourns the passing of Art McNally
Roger Goodellwho served as an NFL commissioner a year ago when Art McNally stepped down as assistant supervisor, paid tribute to the icon and his former colleague on Monday:
“Art McNally was an extraordinary man, the epitome of integrity and class. Throughout his stellar executive career, he has earned the eternal respect of the entire football community. Fittingly, he’s the first game official to be inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, but more importantly, he’s absolutely an honoree in every way. “
Goodell added that his thoughts and prayers are with the McNally family, which includes his wife, three children and many grandchildren.
It’s very likely that the next week of NFL games, i.e. the final week of the regular season, will be filled with tributes to the late McNally and his family as the entire NFL world has lost a child. very big numbers on monday.
