Johnny Grier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnny Grier
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | April 16, 1947 |
| Died | March 8, 2022 (aged 74) Pasadena, Maryland, U.S.
|
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | NFL official (1981–2004) |
Johnny Grier (April 16, 1947 – March 8, 2022) was an important American football official in the National Football League (NFL). He worked for the NFL for 23 years, from 1981 to 2004. He started as a field judge. Later, he became the very first African-American referee in NFL history. This happened at the start of the 1988 NFL season.
Grier was an official in one Super Bowl, Super Bowl XXII in 1988. This was his last game as a field judge. In that same game, Doug Williams became the first African-American quarterback to win the Super Bowl. On the field, Johnny Grier wore uniform number 23. Today, another African-American referee, Jerome Boger, wears that same number.
Contents
Johnny Grier: A Trailblazer in NFL Officiating
Early Life and Football Journey
Johnny Grier was born on April 16, 1947, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He went to college at the University of the District of Columbia. Grier began officiating football games when he was 18 years old. He started as a high school football official in 1965.
Later, he moved on to officiate college football games in 1972. His skills and dedication eventually led him to the NFL in 1981.
Making History in the NFL
In 1988, Johnny Grier made history. He became the first African-American referee in the NFL. A referee is the head official on the field. They are in charge of making sure the game follows the rules.
In 1989, a year after becoming a referee, Grier oversaw another historic moment. He was the referee for the first game coached by Art Shell. Shell was the first black NFL head coach in the modern era of the league.
Later Career and Legacy
Johnny Grier's career as an NFL official ended during the 2004 NFL season. He had to retire because of a leg injury he got during some games. Scott Green, who was a back judge on Grier's team, took his place. Scott Green had also been a referee in NFL Europa.
After his time on the field, Grier continued to work in football. He served as an officiating supervisor for the NFL. He also worked as the Supervisor of Football Officials for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
Johnny Grier passed away in Pasadena, Maryland, on March 8, 2022. He was 74 years old. His contributions helped open doors for others in professional football.
