Art McNally Hall of Fame NFL

Art McNally was one of the most influential officials and administrators in NFL history and is widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Officiating.” He served as an NFL official from 1959 to 1967,working as a field judge and referee, before becoming the league's Supervisor of Officials in 1968. McNally was an American professional football executive who was director of officiating for the National Football League (NFL) from 1968 to 1991.

He transformed NFL officiating by establishing formal film study, training, evaluation and grading programs for officials and developing professional standards that became a model for the sport. He also introduced instant replay to the NFL in 1986.After retiring as Supervisor of Officials in 1991,he continued working with the league as an assistant supervisor and officiating observer.

He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2022, becoming the first NFL game official inducted into the Hall of Fame.

McNally's Awards and Honors

• Ralph Hay Pioneer Award (2012)
• Recipient of the Reds Bagnell Award, Maxwell Football Club (2004)
• Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (1987)
• Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame (2022)
• Known as the “Father of Modern Officiating”
• Known as the “Father of Instant Replay”

NFL Records

• First NFL game official inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Introduced instant replay to the NFL in 1986
• Established the NFL's first formal film-study program for officials
• Led the NFL Officiating Department overseeing 112 game officials
• Served as NFL Supervisor of Officials for 24 years
• Developed standards for the scouting, screening, hiring and grading of NFL officiating crews

NFL Position

NFL Supervisor of Officials (1968–1991)