Embed from Getty Images
Carl Madsen 1949-2021
Carl Madsen, a replay official and former referee, died in Nashville on his way home from his playing assignment on Sunday. He was 71 years old. The cause of his death is not immediately known, but sources said there was some sort of medical issue.
Madsen served as a field referee from 1997-2008, when a nagging injury led to his retirement. He moved to the replay booth in 2010. He worked a total of 8 playoff assignments: 2 Wild Card games and 2 division playoffs on the field, and 2 division playoffs and 2 conference championships in the booth. replay. He was also on the field for the 1999 Pro Bowl in Honolulu.
Senior Vice President of Officials Walt Anderson briefed officials in an email earlier today:
Carl Madsen was an NFL umpire for over two decades, first as a well-respected field official before moving on to a rerun role from 2009. Great friend and colleague, Love of Carl for football and his dedication to refereeing have always been. present, as he generously shared his time to mentor young officials in clinics across the country. An Air Force veteran Carl had a great mind and will be sorely missed.
Scott Green, executive director of the NFL Referees Association, also added in a statement via the league: “Carl will be missed by those who worked with him on the field and in replay. He had a nickname among his official “Big Country” colleagues which was not only linked to his height but to his great personality as a warm and generous man. “
Madsen was on his way to his last Chiefs-Titans game when he passed away. He was assigned to Brad Allen’s squad this season.
Madsen was 1st Lieutenant in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War.
Madsen is the first official to die this season since referee David Hamilton, who spent a few days before an alternate conference championship assignment in January 1995. Rear judge Bob Lawing died during the 2009 offseason, and while he was on the active list, he was on leave at that time.
Obviously, this is devastating news for the officials community, and our hearts go out to his family and extended officials.