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Art McNally (d. January 1, 2023) is a former American football official who made significant contributions to the National Football League (NFL) during his career. Born on August 13, 1925, McNally played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of NFL officiating and was widely regarded as one of the most respected officials in the league.
McNally began his career in officiating in 1959 as a line judge and worked his way up through the ranks. He became a referee in 1960 and held that position for 25 years, making him one of the longest-tenured referees in NFL history. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for fairness, consistency, and a deep understanding of the rules of the game.
One of McNally's significant contributions to NFL officiating was the implementation of instant replay. In the mid-1980s, the NFL faced increasing pressure to adopt a system that would allow officials to review certain plays on video to ensure accuracy in critical situations. In 1986, the league introduced a limited instant replay system, and McNally played a key role in its development and implementation.
Beyond his on-field contributions, McNally held the position of Director of Officiating for the NFL, overseeing the league's entire officiating staff. He played a crucial role in the training and development of new officials, helping to maintain high standards for officiating quality in the NFL.
Art McNally's impact on NFL officiating was recognized when he was awarded the Art McNally Award, named in his honor, which is presented annually to an NFL game official who exhibits exemplary professionalism, leadership, and commitment to sportsmanship.
After retiring from active officiating, McNally continued to be involved in the NFL as a consultant. His dedication to the game and his influence on officiating practices have left a lasting legacy in the NFL. McNally's contributions to the sport were formally acknowledged when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022, recognizing his exceptional career and the mark he made on the world of professional football officiating.
Offered is his 1991 Pro Set #352 rookie football card signed in black ink.
Encapsulated authentic PSA/DNA
Item: 13319
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