Jerry Seeman
Jerry T. Seeman (March 11, 1936 − November 24, 2013) was an
American football official in the National Football League (NFL) from 1975 to 1990 and was the NFL's Senior Director of Officiating from 1991 to 2001, succeeding Art McNally. In his 16 seasons in the NFL, Seeman was selected to officiate in 15 playoff games including two Pro Bowls, and two Super Bowls: XXIII in 1989 and XXV in 1991, and was an alternate referee for Super Bowl XIV in 1980. He wore uniform number 70 for the majority of his career (wearing number 17 during the 1979−81 seasons when officials were numbered by position), which was retired eight months after his death.[1]
It was the first time the NFL had retired an official's uniform number.
Biography
Seeman attended Plainview High School in Plainview, Minnesota where he was a stand out athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. Later, while attending Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, he played quarterback for three years and played basketball for two years before graduating in 1957 with a degree in mathematics.
From 1963 to 1972, Seeman officiated high school football and basketball games in Minnesota for the
Pro Bowls, and two Super Bowls.[2]
Seeman died of cancer on November 24, 2013, at his home in Blaine, Minnesota.[3][4] Seeman was married to Marilyn and had three sons: Jeff (also an NFL referee), Jon, and Michael.[2]
Awards
Seeman has received these officiating honors during his career:
- National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Hall of Fame
- Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame
- National Association of Sports Officials Medallion Award
References
- ^ Schultz, Mark (July 21, 2014). "NFL retires Jerry Seeman's jersey number". Football Zebras. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
- ^ a b "Former NFL referee, league supervisor of officials Jerry Seeman dies at age 77". Associated Press. StarTribune.com. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on November 29, 2013.
- ^ Walters, Charley (November 24, 2013). "Former NFL official Jerry Seeman of Blaine dies". TwinCities.com. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
- ^ "Jerry T. Seeman Obituary". Archived from the original on December 3, 2013.