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Carl Paganelli retires after 25 seasons as respected NFL umpire across stadiums nationwide

Carl Paganelli retires after 25 seasons
Carl Paganelli retires after 25 seasons

Not all retirements come with trophies and grand speeches—some, like Carl Paganelli’s, are marked by quiet respect and a legacy built on consistency.

After a quarter-century of running up and down the gridiron, Paganelli is hanging up his whistle.


A Career That Started in 1999 Comes to a Close

At 65, Carl Paganelli is officially retiring from the NFL after 25 seasons as a full-time umpire.

His journey with the league began back in 1999, and over the years, he built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable officials.

Working alongside some of the NFL’s most respected referees—like Gene Steratore, Ron Torbert, Phil Luckett, and Walt Anderson—Paganelli became a fixture in high-stakes games.


Four Super Bowls and Countless Big Moments

Paganelli’s career wasn’t just long—it was filled with moments that mattered.

He officiated 22 playoff games, including an impressive run of four Super Bowls between 2005 and 2014.

That achievement made him the first NFL official of the 21st century to work four Super Bowls, a milestone that cemented his place in officiating history.


The New Generation Steps In

With Paganelli stepping aside, the NFL has brought in a new face to help lead the next era.

Brandon Ellison, the son of longtime umpire Roy Ellison, has been hired to fill the vacant position.

His addition makes him one of six new officials joining the NFL for the 2025 season.

For fans of officiating families, this is yet another passing of the torch.


A Career Cut Short by an Unlucky Sideline Collision

Although Paganelli was planning to wrap up soon, his final season ended a bit earlier than expected.

Last September, during a game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he collided with a player while trying to field a ball near the sideline.

The Panthers’ medical team rushed to help, and though he was okay, that moment turned out to be his final appearance on an NFL field.


Football Runs in the Paganelli Family

Carl wasn’t the only one in his family with a love for officiating.

His brothers Perry and Dino Paganelli also worked in the NFL before retiring.

In fact, Carl and Perry made history in 2007 when they became the first pair of brothers to officiate the same Super Bowl—the showdown between Peyton Manning’s Colts and the Chicago Bears.

And the family legacy doesn’t end there. Their father, Carl Paganelli Sr., is a member of the Arena Football Hall of Fame, which last held an induction in 2015.

Clearly, officiating is a Paganelli tradition.


The End of an Era for a Steady NFL Presence

Carl Paganelli may not be a household name for casual fans, but for those within the league, he was a rock.

His quiet professionalism and ability to handle the pressure of the biggest games in football left a lasting impression.

As the NFL moves forward with new faces and new rules, one thing’s for sure—there will never be another Carl Paganelli.