After a career that spanned more than two decades, longtime NFL umpire Carl Paganelli is officially calling it a day.
From the roar of packed stadiums to the tension of Super Bowl moments, Paganelli has seen it all—and now, at 65, he’s stepping away from the field for good.
His story isn’t just one of personal success—it’s deeply rooted in family, history, and a love for the game.
A Quarter-Century in Stripes
Paganelli joined the NFL ranks back in 1999 and never looked back.
Over the course of 25 seasons, he became one of the league’s most respected umpires.
He served under a who’s who of iconic referees—names like Gene Steratore, Ron Torbert, Phil Luckett, and Walt Anderson—earning a reputation for consistency, fairness, and toughness.
His track record speaks for itself: 22 playoff games and four Super Bowl assignments, all within a 10-year stretch from 2005 to 2014.
That milestone made him the first official in the 21st century to call four Super Bowls—something only a select few have ever achieved.
From Super Bowl Glory to a Painful Goodbye
Carl’s final moments on the field came sooner than expected.
During a regular season game in September 2024 between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Paganelli was accidentally struck while trying to catch a ball tossed in from the sideline.
He was immediately checked out by the Panthers’ medical staff, and that game—unintentionally—became his last.
Though it wasn’t the ending he had planned, it quietly marked the conclusion of an extraordinary run.
Passing the Baton to the Next Generation
With Paganelli stepping away, the NFL has brought in a new face to fill the role—Brandon Ellison, the son of veteran official Roy Ellison.
His hiring adds to a wave of six new officials joining the league for the 2025 season.
Brandon isn’t just filling a vacancy—he’s continuing a family legacy, much like Carl did.
Officiating: A Family Affair
The Paganelli name is legendary in the officiating world.
Carl followed in the footsteps of his father, Carl Paganelli Sr., who was inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame back in 2015.
But it didn’t stop there—his brothers Perry and Dino Paganelli also suited up as NFL officials.
In one historic moment in 2007, Carl and Perry made history by becoming the first brothers to officiate the same Super Bowl, when the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears under Peyton Manning’s leadership.
Beyond the Field
Before becoming a full-time NFL official, Carl Paganelli had a career as a probation officer—a job that demanded just as much judgment, poise, and attention to detail as his time on the football field.
Those skills clearly carried over, helping him rise through the officiating ranks.
A Career Marked by Legacy and Respect
As Carl Paganelli rides off into a well-earned retirement, he leaves behind more than just a list of accolades.
He leaves a legacy—one built on professionalism, family tradition, and a deep respect for the game.
And with the next generation stepping in, the Paganelli example remains a standard to aspire to.