Bill Leavy, a longtime referee who officiated multiple Super Bowls and became one of the most instantly recognizable faces among NFL referees, died this week according to NFL Senior VP of Officiating Walt Coleman.
He was 76 years old.
“Always kind and thoughtful,” Anderson said of Leavy. “Bill was instrumental in mentoring countless young officials throughout his career.
“His integrity earned him respect at every step of his football journey and the entire officiating community mourns his loss.”
Leavy’s officiating career began in 1995. He was a relatively quick riser in the league. In 2001, Leavy worked his first Super Bowl when the Rams clashed with the Titans in one of the most memorable finishes in Super Bowl history.
“The Tackle”#Rams linebacker Mike Jones halts #Titans receiver Kevin Dyson one yard shy of the goal line on the final play of #SuperBowl XXXIV — preserving the Rams’ first Super Bowl victory.
ABC’s Al Michaels delivers yet another of his iconic calls.
23 years ago tonight pic.twitter.com/pQCJ9QW8mA
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) January 31, 2023
Leavy next worked a Super Bowl in 2006, when the Steelers took on the Seahawks. That game in particular is recalled by many for several blown calls. A fact that Leavy himself bemoaned in the following years.
Referee Bill Leavy #127 signals a first down for the Buffalo Bills after a measurement during NFL game action against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 17, 2013, in Orchard Park, New York. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
In 2014, Leavy officiated his last game and ended a nearly 20-year run. Following his retirement from officiating, Leavy busied himself by helping the league screen new officiating candidates.
He won the Art McNally Award in 2019, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on an NFL official.