Jim Tunney Biography

Jim Tunney served as an official in the National Football League for 31 years from 1960 to 1990. During his decorated officiating career he received an NFL record 29- playoff assignments and served on the officiating crew for ten championship games including three Super Bowls. To date, Tunney is the only referee in history to have officiated consecutive Super Bowls, accomplishing that feat in Super Bowls XI and XII. Tunney’s numerous awards include being named to the All Madden Team in 1990 and being awarded the 1992 Gold Whistle Award from the National Association of Sports Officials. Nicknamed the “Dean of NFL Referees”, he got his start in officiating after earning his degree from Occidental College in 1951. Upon earning his degree he served as a referee for high school, college and Pac-10 games for until being hired to serve as an NFL field judge in 1960. Tunney’s last NFL game was the 1991 AFC Championship game. After retiring as a referee he joined the NFL officiating staff ass an observer, where he remains today. In 1993 he founded the Jim Tunney Youth Foundation with the mission of supporting community programs that work with youth to develop leadership, wellness, self-esteem and work skills. 

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