Art McNally, who was regarded by many as one of the founding fathers of contemporary NFL officiating, passed away, know his wife and net worth
The president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame confirms the sad news.
Jim Porter, the president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said on Monday that McNally had passed away at the age of 97.
NFL referee Art McNally cause of death, obituary, age, family, wife, net worth 2023
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Pro Football Hall of Famer, Art McNally.
McNally was known as the "Father of Instant Replay" and was the first game official to be inducted into the @ProFootballHOF for his immeasurable impact on the game of football. pic.twitter.com/1aqs5kmXNC
— NFL (@NFL) January 2, 2023
“Art McNally was a modest, upright, and moral man. It was a proud time for the Hall to witness Art’s decades of service honoured by his induction into the Class of 2022, according to Porter. “His reputation as a strong leader who assisted in introducing the technology required to keep up with a faster and more complex game and the advanced training of officials will be cherished forever in Canton.”
More about McNally
In Pennsylvania, McNally was born. He spent nine NFL seasons, starting in 1959, as a field judge and referee. A promotion came McNally’s way in 1968. That year, he was appointed the NFL’s director of officiating.
The native of Philadelphia served in the Marines during World War II before becoming a teacher and coach at Central High School in Philadelphia. One of McNally’s greatest accomplishments was his role in the 1986 introduction of instant replay. In 1990, he decided to stop playing football.
He later joined the NFL again in 1996 as an associate supervisor of officials, a position he held there until 2007. After serving as an assistant supervisor for more than ten years, the renowned referee changed his position in 2008 to one in which he observed and coached officials.
McNally worked in the NFL front office for 20 years in a variety of officiating positions before spending 20 years as the official’s supervisor. Last year, McNally was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was inducted into Canton as the first on-field official ever.
Roger Goodell mourns Art McNally’s passing.
Before Art McNally resigned as assistant supervisor, Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, had been in office for a year. On Monday, he paid tribute to the legend and his former coworker. He further stated that the McNally family, which consists of his wife, three children, and numerous grandchildren, was in his thoughts and prayers.
Given that the entire NFL community lost a very significant individual on Monday, it is extremely possible that the upcoming NFL games, the final week of the regular season, will include numerous tributes to the late McNally and his family.
His son, Tom McNally, one of his four children said Monday that his father died of natural causes at a hospital in Newtown, Pennsylvania, near his longtime home.
McNally is survived by his second wife, Sharon, his children Marybeth, Tom and Michael, and his grandchildren. McNally was married to his first wife, Rita, until her death in 1980 and was later married to Sharon. His net worth stood between $1-5 million.