NFL Legend Art McNally, Pioneer of Instant Replay and Hall of Famer, Passes Away at 97
Art McNally, an influential figure in the NFL for nearly six decades, passed away at the age of 97. With a career spanning nine seasons as an official, beginning in 1959, and then serving as a referee from 1960 to 1967, McNally left an indelible mark on the game.
In his role as NFL officials' director in 1968, McNally introduced the first video training and evaluation program for professional sports referees. His leadership brought technology into officiating and paved the way for the introduction of instant replay in the league.
McNally's tenure extend past his days as an official, as he became Assistant Director of Officials in 1995 and served in that capacity until 2007. Later, he functioned as an observer for the league from 2007 to 2013.
His impact was recognized when he was the first on-field official inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001. At his induction ceremony, McNally expressed his gratitude for his lengthy career in football and the opportunity to work alongside the best officials in the nation.
McNally placed a high value on his role as an official, considering it as vital as that of the players, coaches, and fans. He emphasized the importance of diligent work and making sound decisions in carrying out the duties of a referee, as well as encouraging other officials in their work.
"The most important thing for an official is to do your job well," McNally said, "Hopefully, nobody knows you're there. Make decisions in the right way, as they should be made, and with a sound mind."
Jim Porter, Chairman of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, described McNally as a "quiet, honest man of integrity."
"His legacy as a strong leader who helped advance the training and techniques needed to keep pace with the faster, more complex game will live on in Canton forever," he stated.
At the time of his passing, McNally was one of the oldest living members of the NFL's 362-member Hall of Fame.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shared his condolences, stating, "Art McNally was a remarkable man and the embodiment of integrity and class."
"During his exemplary career as a referee, he earned the enduring respect of the entire football community. It was fitting that he was the first official to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio," Goodell continued.
"But what's even more important: he is a Hall of Famer in every sense."
In 2002, to honor McNally, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue established an annual award for "distinguished professionalism on and off the field, leadership qualities, and sportsmanship" by league officials.
McNally's season as an NBA referee was the only deviation from his successful tenure with the NFL. Prior to joining the league office in 1968, he spent 18 years as a teacher and coach within the Philadelphia School District.
Additional Insights:
- McNally played a key role in the introduction of instant replay in the NFL. His contributions included overseeing the development and refinement of the technology, and the implementation of the system on a wider scale, first in Super Bowl XXI in 1986.
- 'Art McNally GameDay Central' was established in 2014, which serves as the primary facility for monitoring games, evaluating officials, and executing the instant replay system. This central hub has significantly improved the technical measurement process and software, ensuring the efficient and effective use of instant replay.
