Back in the day, it was quite rare for network television to do a feature story on the NFL officials.
In 1985, The NFL Today did a feature on referee Dick Jorgensen and his crew.
Jorgensen’s crew in 1985 was umpire Neil Gereb, head linesman Ron Phares, line judge Dick McKenzie (father of current NFL official Dana McKenzie), back judge Roy Clymer, side judge Dave Hawk and field judge Johnny Grier.
Here’s The NFL Today feature:
Jorgensen’s last game was Super Bowl XXIV in January of 1990. During Super Bowl week he started feeling ill, but worked the game without problems.
After the game he was diagnosed with a blood disorder, and passed away on October 10, 1990, at the age of 56.
We hope you take a moment to remember Jorgensen in his element – leading a NFL crew.
Dick was from Neenah Highschool, same as me. His father was an amazing basketball coach and now has a gymnasium named after him. Sadly the only thing for Dick to have is a small plaque for the nhs hall of fame.