Longtime NFL Referee Invoice Leavy Useless At 76

Former NFL referee Invoice Leavy — who helped officiate Tremendous Bowl XXXIV and Tremendous Bowl XL — died this week … league exec Walt Anderson confirmed on Wednesday.

He was 76 years previous.

Anderson didn’t reveal a reason for loss of life … however advised Soccer Zebras in a press release that Leavy “was an excellent official and an excellent higher man.”

“All the time variety and considerate,” stated Anderson, the NFL’s senior vp of officiating, “Invoice was instrumental in mentoring numerous younger officers all through his profession.”

Anderson added, “His integrity earned him respect at each step of his soccer journey and the whole officiating neighborhood mourns his loss.”

Leavy started officiating NFL video games within the 1995 season — and labored six years earlier than he was assigned to assist ref the Titans vs. Rams SB XXXIV. Leavy was simply yards away from Mike Jones‘ game-winning sort out on Kevin Dyson.

Leavy was later promoted to ref in 2001 … and went on to work his second Tremendous Bowl, XL, in 2006. He lamented his efficiency within the recreation, saying he regretted booting a few of his calls within the Steelers’ win over the Seahawks.

Leavy labored his last recreation for the NFL in 2014 — a playoff matchup between the Colts and Broncos. He went on to work for the league in retirement, serving to within the hiring course of of recent officers.

In 2019, Leavy gained the Artwork McNally Award — arguably the very best honor for NFL officers.

“Saddened to listen to of the lack of Invoice Leavy,” former NFL ref Gene Steratore tweeted Wednesday. “Invoice was a wonderful referee and only a pleasure to be round. Life is simply too brief. He was an excellent mentor and pal.”