The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Contributors 2023
Art McNally
- Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Contributors 2023
- Embed from Getty Images
- Sport(s): Football Official
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Officiating is a thankless job regardless of the sport. It is demanding, and despite the television time, they are routinely booed by fans, even if they are making the correct call. While all sports have complicated rules, all of the others combined do not equate to that of football. With that in mind, we think nominating Art McNally is an easy decision.
McNally was a field judge and referee in the NFL from 1959 to 1967, and he took over as the director of officiating for the NFL. In the 22 years he held that role, McNally oversaw a myriad of changes and did so as seamlessly as possible.
As rules became more complex and layered in the NFL, McNally calmly ran his team and oversaw the emergence of instant replay, arguably the biggest change in officiating.
McNally, who also referred in the NBA for one season, officiated over 3,000 games in football, baseball, and basketball.
In honor of McNally, the NFL created the Art McNally Award, which annually honors an official who exhibits professionalism, leadership, and sportsmanship on and off the field.
We are proud to nominate Art McNally for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.
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