Earnie Frantz is the recipient of the 2020 Art McNally Award

Earnie Frantz, former NFL head linesman (now down judge) and replay official, has been awarded the 2020 Art McNally Award, Football Zebras has confirmed through multiple sources. The Art McNally Award is named after the former head of officiating from 1968 to 1990, and recognizes an official for “exemplary professionalism, leadership and commitment to sportsmanship on and off the field.”  The NFL began this award in 2002. The award was presented at this year’s virtual officiating clinic; in previous seasons the award was handed out at the Pro Bowl.

Frantz, an official in the NFL from 1981 to 2001, wore number 14 in his rookie season, which was the final year of the league’s failed re-numbering system, then wore the number 111 throughout the remainder of his career. Frantz earned 17 postseason assignments in his career, including 6 Wild Card Playoffs, 3 Divisional Playoffs, 5 Conference Championships, and Super Bowls XXIV, XXXI, and XXXIV.

Following his retirement from on-field officiating, he became a replay official, having worked in that position from 2007 until his recent retirement following the 2019 season.

Congratulations to Earnie Frantz on receiving this well-deserved honor.

*awarded posthumously