Retired NFL official Scott Edwards dies at 66

Scott Edwards, a two-time Super Bowl official, passed away “suddenly and peacefully” on September 9, according to information from his family and the NFL Referees Association. He was 66 years old.

Edwards was a NFL official for 23 years — all as either a side judge or field judge. He wore number 3 for his entire career. He joined the NFL in 1999 after spending time working in NFL Europe and in the Atlantic Coast Conference in college. Over the years, he served on crews lead by Tom White, Bernie Kukar, Gerald Austin, Bill Carollo, John Parry, Ron Torbert and Clete Blakeman.

For many years, he was a sideline partner for Sarah Thomas — the first woman official in the NFL.

Edwards had a very strong playoff record, working on the field 19 times in 23 seasons. He worked 3 wild card games, 11 divisional playoffs, 3 conference championships and Super Bowls 50 and LII.

One of Edwards toughest calls happened in 2013 when he correctly ruled Steelers receiver Antonio Brown out of bounds, negating a multiple-lateral miracle touchdown.

His last assignment was after the 2021 season, when he was the alternate pro bowl official (photo below).

Off the field, Edwards held degrees in geology and environmental engineering, and did government contract work with several companies.

Edwards leaves behind his wife, three children and two grandchildren.

Our sympathies to all who knew him and loved him. The text of his obituary appears below.

Scott Edwards Jr. was born on September 27, 1958, to Scott and Joyce Edwards in Jacksonville, Florida. He passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on September 9, 2025. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Jane “Pancho” Edwards; his son, Tyler, and daughter-in-law, Amelia; his daughters, Valen and Dianka; his grandsons, Malcolm and Clark Edwards; his sisters, Cyndy Brauer and Sonja Brauer; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He received his undergraduate degree in geology from the University of Alabama and his master’s degree in environmental engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Scott prided himself on his successful career in government contract work with Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen, and most recently Cherokee Nation Businesses.

Just as notable as his career doing contract work was his career as a football official. He worked his way up from officiating high school games to working in the MEAC, ACC, NFL Europe, and spent 23 years as a field judge and side judge (#3) in the NFL. He worked multiple playoff and championship games, and worked Super Bowls 50 and LII during his time in the NFL.

Scott’s greatest joy was living in Blanco, Texas, where he spent the past 14 years on 3E Longhorn Ranch, a place he built from the ground up. He was heavily involved in the Blanco ISD School Board and the Blanco Education Foundation. He loved the Texas Hill Country, football, playing golf, hunting, working on the ranch, and most importantly, he loved being with his family.

A celebration of Scott’s life will be held at a location and date to be determined. Donations can be made in Scott’s name to the Blanco Education Foundation or to MD Anderson.

Video: Greg Sherman/Mr. Bowtie’s Texas High School Sports Machine