Bill Leavy, who worked for the NFL and is best known for being the referee during the controversial Super Bowl XL, has died at the age of 76. No reason for Dea†h was given.
Former official and CBS analyst Gene Steratore said on Twitter –
“Saddened to hear of the loss of Bill Leavy. Bill was an excellent referee and just a joy to be around. Life is just too short. He was a great mentor and friend. Rest in Peace Bill.”
Leavy worked in the NFL from 1995 to 2014, and he officiated two Super Bowl games, including the one between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks in 2006.
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The crew was criticized for some of the calls they made against Seattle, including a holding penalty that took away a pass that would have put the ball on the Steelers’ one-yard line.
He also gave the Steelers 15 yards because quarterback Matt Hasselbeck had a low hit that was against the rules after an interception. The game was won by Pittsburgh, 21-10.
Leavy said in 2010 (as reported by ESPN) –
“It was a tough thing for me. I impacted the game. As an official, you never want to do that. It left me with a lot of sleepless nights, and I think about it constantly. I’ll go to my grave wishing that I’d been better.”
His obituary says that before he became an official, Leavy worked as a firefighter and police officer in San Jose. He died three days after his birthday.
Leavy was a back judge for Super Bowl XXXIV between the Rams and the Titans in 2000. The next year, he was made an official. After he retired in 2015, he became a manager in the league’s officiating department.
In 2019, Leavy won the Art McNally Award, which is given every year to an official who “exhibits exemplary professionalism, leadership, and commitment to sportsmanship, on and off the field.”
Senior Vice President of Officiating Walt Anderson told Football Zebras –
“Bill was an outstanding official and an even better man. Always kind and thoughtful, Bill was instrumental in mentoring countless young officials throughout his career. His recognition as an Art McNally Award winner highlights that selfless dedication to officiating. His integrity earned him respect at every step of his football journey and the entire officiating community mourns his loss.”
This concludes our coverage of the passing of longtime NFL referee Bill Leavy at the age of 76. In Dea†h, may he find eternal peace.