Over the course of a half-century career in football officiating, Art McNally, now a Yardley retiree, must have endured countless barbs from unhappy fans: “Boo the ref!” His work, however, has now earned him one significant cheer career, as he was named the first on-field official to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

McNally, a U.S. Marine veteran, spent 3,000 games over 22 years wearing the vertical-striped black-and-white jersey, dodging hulking linebackers and assessing ball positions down to the inches.

The National Football League (NFL) online biography of him encapsulated a notable career.

From 1959–1967, first as a field judge and then a referee, McNally served as an NFL official. He was then hired as the NFL Supervisor of Officials in 1968 and subsequently brought about the initial formal training and evaluation program for football officials in professional sports.

He would go on to introduce an instant replay system to the league in 1986.

He retired from the NFL in 1991 but came back in 1995 to work as an assistant supervisor of officials. He held that position until 2007.

On getting the news of his enshrinement at the Hall of Fame’s home in Canton, Ohio, McNally said, “Thank you so very much for this great honor,” McNally said. “I don’t believe it.”

More on the recognition of football official Art McNally is at the Pro Football Hall of Fame website.