NFL veteran Carl Paganelli's sudden retirement ends historic family legacy after unseen injury exit

Carl Paganelli, one of the NFL’s most trusted umpires, has ended his long career after 25 seasons on the field. The news was confirmed this week by Football Zebras reporter Mark Schultz. Carl Paganelli first entered the league in 1999, and held the same position every year in the league since. Carl Paganelli was famously known to be eccentric, although he kept a zen-like presence, and an insightful perspective about the game. He quietly stepped up from his officiating post when he did not finish the 2024 season due to injury. With his retirement now official; this is an important closing chapter in NFL officiating.

Carl Paganelli’s long career included playoff games and Super Bowls

Carl Paganelli worked as an NFL umpire for 25 seasons, beginning in 1999. He never changed roles during his time in the league. Carl Paganelli worked with numerous famous officiating crews, including Phil Luckett, Gene Steratore, and Ron Torbert. After a good performance, he was assigned 22 playoff games and four Super Bowls: XXXIX, XLI, XLVI, and XLVIII.



Toward the end of 2024, Carl Paganelli suffered an injury on the field while catching a football from the sideline. A player inadvertently collided with him on the play.After that game, he missed the rest of the season and quietly stepped away from officiating. Though there was no official send-off then, the NFL later confirmed his retirement.


Carl Paganelli’s retirement closes a major family legacy in NFL officiating

Carl Paganelli wasn’t the only one in his family to work in the NFL. His brothers, Perry and Dino Paganelli, were also officials and worked as back judges. For a time, all three brothers were active during the same seasons, which made league history. Now, with Carl Paganelli’s retirement, all three have officially stepped away.



The NFL has selected Brandon Ellison, the son of veteran umpire Roy Ellison, to take Carl Paganelli’s place in the 2025 season. Brandon Ellison is one of six new officials hired this year.

Outside of football, Carl Paganelli also worked as a probation officer. His time in the NFL was marked by leadership, calm decision-making, and deep respect across the sport.

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