Longtime NFL official Wayne Mackie has died at the age of 62.
Mackie, who passed away on Mar. 24, was a head linesman for the NFL from 2007 to 2016 and was also a member of its officiating department.
Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement on Mar. 25 about his death, saying he was a highly respected official for the league.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic passing of a treasured member of our NFL family. Wayne Mackie unexpectedly passed last night while in Florida. He leaves behind his wife, Tonya, and three daughters,” Goodell wrote. “The NFL has experienced an enormous loss – and we are deeply saddened. Our hearts are with Wayne’s family and loved ones during this tragic time.”
The NFL Officiating’s social media team also announced Mackie’s passing via Twitter.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news of Wayne Mackie’s passing,” they said. “He will forever be remembered by those who knew him as one of the kindest, nicest, most genuine individuals any of us have ever known.”
We are deeply saddened to share the news of Wayne Mackie's passing. He will forever be remembered by those who knew him as one of the kindest, nicest, most genuine individuals any of us have ever known ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sA4pPth46v
— NFL Officiating (@NFLOfficiating) March 25, 2022
Mackie was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and grew up in Linden Houses, a tough housing project in the East New York section of the borough. He later attended Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y. The ref also worked as the director of operations and inspecting homes at New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development for 20 years. Then, he officiated college football and amateur basketball before taking on the role of head linesman at the NFL. He proved to be one of the best linesmen, as he served as such for the Super Bowl 50 in 2016, among other games and officiated two conference championships.
After completing his days as a linesman that year, Mackie became the NFL’s vice president of officiating evaluation and development. He served in that role from 2017 until he died.
“Wayne was passionate about the NFL and spent each day making a positive impact on all of us individually and contributing to our collective success,” Goodell added. “Those who had the pleasure of knowing Wayne will forever remember his kindness, generosity, and the genuine spirit he brought to all aspects of his life.”
