NFL Legend Carl Paganelli’s Sudden Retirement Sparks Speculation After 25 Seasons Behind the Mask

Three Paganellis officiated in the NFL at the same time, and back judges Perry and Dino preceded Carl into retirement.

The NFL hired Paganelli in 1999 as an umpire, a position he kept his entire career. He served on the crews of Bernie Kukar, Phil Luckett, Johnny Grier, Walt Anderson, Walt Coleman, Gene Steratore, Larry Nemmers, Jerome Boger, Ron Winter, Ron Torbert, Alex Kemp, Brad Rogers, John Hussey and Tra Blake.Carl, a retired probation officer, sat out the end of the 2024 season when he was injured in a collision with a player as he tried to catch a new ball coming in from the sideline.The NFL hired Brandon Ellison, the son of veteran NFL umpire Roy Ellison, to replace Paganelli. Brandon Ellison gives the league a total of six new officials for 2025.Paganelli worked 22 playoff games, including Super Bowls XXXIX, XLI, XLVI and XLVIII.Umpire Carl Paganelli has retired from the NFL after 25 seasons, Mark Schultz of Football Zebras reports.When it comes to the gridiron, some faces become as familiar as the stadium lights themselves—and Carl Paganelli’s is certainly one of those. After a quarter-century donning the umpire’s stripes, this stalwart official has stepped away from the NFL scene. Since joining the league in ’99, Paganelli wasn’t just part of the crew—he was the crew, collaborating with some of the game’s most renowned referees through countless Sunday battles and playoff showdowns, including four Super Bowls no less. It’s rare enough for one official to leave such a lasting imprint, let alone someone who shares the field’s spotlight with his own kin—yes, three Paganellis officiated simultaneously, a true family affair. Though the 2024 season sidelined him after that unfortunate collision chasing a sideline ball, his legacy remains vivid—and now, Brandon Ellison, a fresh face with deep NFL roots, steps in to fill big shoes. Feel like diving deeper into this chapter of NFL officiating history? LEARN MORE