On the TunneySide of Sports September 20, 2021 #866 Up next… A Tribute to Art McNally
After further review… Art McNally, a longtime National Football League official, has been nominated for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022. This is the first time an NFL official’s nomination has been moved forward for final consideration — save for Shorty Ray, the NFL supervisor who was inducted in 1966 but was never an on-field NFL official. Ray helped organize NFL rules in the 1950s era. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has welcomed NFL players, coaches, and contributors for induction.
McNally has been a friend for 61 years. He was selected as an NFL official in 1959 and I was fortunate to follow in 1960. McNally was first assigned to be a field judge (now called back judge) and then promoted to the position of Referee — a position he held for eight years. Following that he was selected to be the supervisor of NFL officials (now called senior vice-president of officiating). In that role, he was my boss for 23 years from 1968 to 1990 — the year we both retired from the NFL.
McNally was an outstanding supervisor. His integrity and work ethic were second-to-none. Every official trusted his knowledge and interpretation of the rules. He led the Competition Committee, the body that creates rule changes, throughout more than two decades as the NFL game changed in the 1970s and 1980s. McNally instituted the NFL’s replay system. The NFL recognized his leadership in that role by establishing the Art McNally Command Center, which oversees the video replay of all NFL games. He recruited top-notch officials, many for the referee position, and led them in enforcing rule changes.
“I would play poker over the phone with Art McNally,” I have often said. He and I may have disagreed on a rule change a time or two, but I knew he was honest. He was a taskmaster when he needed to be and an understanding boss when necessary. He was there for all officials when needed. His leadership was important as the rules and mechanics (positioning on the field) adjusted to the changes in the game. He created professionalism among officials and helped owners, coaches and fans appreciate their role.
McNally created a solid reputation with the NCAA. In the early 1960s, the NCAA felt that the NFL was taking all their best officials. McNally broke that barrier by meeting with their officials and supervisors explaining NFL rules and interpretations thereby creating a partnership for consistency.
I was so pleased when CEO David Baker and the Pro Football Hall of Fame selected my friend Art McNally as a finalist for induction into the 2022 Class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He will represent them well.
Will you log in your opinion about game officials being inducted into sports halls of fame?
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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home. A special July 4th offer (I know it’s over) Bobblehead for $30. (tax and shipping included) and one book of your choice.
To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com.
