Art McNally, who is considered by many to be one of the pioneers of modern NFL officiating, has tragically died.
Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter made that announcement on Monday that McNally has died at age 97.
“Art McNally was a quiet, honest man of integrity. To see Art’s decades of service recognized with his enshrinement as part of the Class of 2022 was a special moment for the Hall,” Porter said. “His legacy as a strong leader who helped usher in the advanced training of officials and the technology necessary to keep up with a faster and more complicated game will be preserved forever in Canton.”
The Philadelphia native served in the Marines during World War II and became a school teacher and coach at Philadelphia’s Central High School.
One of McNally’s biggest achievements was helping to introduce instant replay in 1986.
McNally spent 20 years as supervisor of officials, and another 20 in the NFL front office in a variety of officiating roles. McNally was enshrined in the Hall of Fame last year. He became the first on-field official to ever be inducted into Canton.
