Invoice Leavy, a retired police officer and firefighter in San Jose and a longtime NFL referee, has handed away. He was 76.
Leavy labored as an NFL official from 1995 to 2015, then grew to become a referee supervisor for the officiating division and a treasured mentor for officers across the nation. He obtained the league’s 2019 Artwork McNally Award reflecting professionalism, management and sportsmanship.
Leavy died Tuesday, three days after his birthday, the NFL confirmed on Wednesday.
“We're saddened to study of the passing of Invoice Leavy, a longtime NFL referee and a present member of the league’s officiating employees,” NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating Walt Anderson stated in a press release. “Invoice was an impressive official and an excellent higher man. All the time form and considerate, Invoice was instrumental in mentoring numerous younger officers all through his profession. His recognition as an Artwork McNally Award winner highlights that selfless dedication to officiating. His integrity earned him respect at each step of his soccer journey and the complete officiating neighborhood mourns his loss.”
He labored 15 NFL playoff video games and two Tremendous Bowls. Promoted to referee in 2001, he labored Tremendous Bowl XL in February 2006, after which he acknowledged errant calls within the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win over the Seattle Seahawks. “It left me with a variety of sleepless nights, and I give it some thought consistently,” Leavy advised reporters in 2010.
A Santa Barbara native and San Jose State graduate, Leavy retired 25 years in the past from working for the town of San Jose, first as a police officer after which as a firefighter. His officiating profession began on the Santa Clara Valley highschool circuit earlier than shifting onto the collegiate and professional ranges.