This day just couldn’t get any worse. The father of Instant Replay Art McNally passed away on Tuesday at ninety-seven. Arthur Ignatius McNally, also known as Art McNally, was an NFL icon and Hall-of-Famer who changed the landscape of league officiating. And the football world paid its respects after an already gut-wrenching day that saw Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin suffering a cardiac arrest on-field.
McNally spent 22 years in the NFL as the director of officiating and supervisor of officials, wherein he scouted, screened, hired and groomed the 7-men game official squad for the league games each week. However, his biggest achievements all came in the footage review department. Be it for game officials or his instant replay use in-game. Also, former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue named the best game-official of the year award, the Art McNally Award, to honour his contributions to the game.
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Moreover, former players, owners, current NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the entire football world joined in with their prayers and condolences.
Commissioner Roger Goodell on the passing of Art McNally. pic.twitter.com/VeU7BiKKAv
— NFL (@NFL) January 2, 2023
Rest in peace, Art McNally—one of the classiest and greatest in the NFL family. pic.twitter.com/o6xiFOat1v
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) January 2, 2023
My condolences to ART McNALLY family!!,i got to know his family,and they are amazing people,I’m so glad the family was able to enjoy the @ProFootballHOF RIP!
— leroy butler (@leap36) January 2, 2023
Coach Harbaugh begins his presser with a message regarding the passing of Art McNally: pic.twitter.com/G17ui5LDtj
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 2, 2023
We just started 2023
— Mathew Crisafulli (@Mathew46miners) January 2, 2023
First and foremost RIP. Secondly, let’s honor his legacy and have all penalties reviewable.
— Trey (@_stilloriginal_) January 2, 2023
This man, with his idea for instant replay is single handedly responsible for millions of increased ad revenue for the NFL. I'm sure they owe him a ton of kudos. 🫡
— Marcanthony Merchant (@marcmerchant89) January 2, 2023
Looking at today's ref crews and calls, Art Mc.N
would have a thing or three to say about them.
Old enough to remember watching games he Ref'd
Those were different days and rules but his crew never interfered with the game and made fair calls. RIP— Richard Nelson (@Richard36971987) January 2, 2023
Glad he got in while still alive. He did so much for the game.
— Patrick Weseman (@csuhpat1) January 2, 2023
Furthermore, Art McNally was the first official to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 2022. And the NFL world lost one of its most loved members today.
Art McNally passing away makes the day even worse after a former Jaguar’s demise today
January 3 will forever remain in the minds of football fans. A day of uncertain and unfortunate happenings. Buffalo Bills defensive player Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals game. Furthermore, the medical team rushed 24-year-old Damar for cardiac arrest to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he remains in critical care. However, there were some positive signs. But, although his heartbeat was restored, the Buffalo safety remains sedated and on breathing support.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 2, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) makes the tackle on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) during the first quarterat Paycor Stadium. The play led to Hamlin collapsing on the field, and being taken to the hospital in critical condition. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
However, while the NFL world prays for Hamlin, their condolences went out to the family of former Jacksonville Jaguars guard and offensive lineman, Uche Nwaneri. Nwaneri passed away at the untimely age of 38 after suffering a heart attack at his wife’s home in West Lafayette.
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Moreover, the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills game ended up postponed after Hamlin’s unfortunate episode on-field. Also, Goodell and Co got in some trouble after spectators complained about why it took an hour to suspend the game. However, the NFL executives cleared the air about that earlier today.
Damar still has prayers and wishes from the entire world sporting community with him for his quickest recovery and return to the game.
