Legendary NFL Referee Jim Tunney Dies at 95

Known as the 'Dean of NFL Referees,' Tunney officiated iconic games and contributed to shaping modern officiating during his 31-year career.

Jim Tunney, a prominent NFL referee for 31 years, officiated over 400 games, including three Super Bowls and numerous historic matchups such as the Ice Bowl, The Catch, and The Fog Bowl.
He began his NFL career in 1960 as the league's youngest referee at the time and retired in 1990, leaving a lasting legacy in sports officiating.
Tunney was praised for his ability to adapt to the rise of televised football, making complex officiating decisions accessible to viewers at home.
Beyond the NFL, Tunney worked as a high school principal and authored four books, including 'Impartial Judgment,' with a foreword by John Madden.
He passed away on December 12, 2024, at his home in Pebble Beach, California, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication to the game.