Former NFL official Don Carlsen passes away

Don Carlsen, a 24-year official mostly as a side judge, passed away October 25 at the age of 79. The Chico, California, resident worked in the NFL from 1989-2012 and wore number 39 his entire career.

Carlsen attended Chico State University where he played football, baseball and rugby. After graduating, he began officiating, working his way up through the ranks to the Pac-10 conference. He worked line judge in the Pac-10 and worked at the referee position in small college games.

After one year working as a line judge, the NFL moved Carlsen to side judge in 1990 and he stayed in that position the rest of his career. The NFL was short of side judges in 1990 and Carlsen volunteered to move. In 24 years, Carlsen worked with many outstanding referees, including Jerry Markbreit, Pat Haggerty, Dick Hantak, Bernie Kukar, Ron Blum, Tony Corrente, Bill Leavy, Ed Hochuli, Mike Carey, and Pete Morelli. In a 2013 interview with Football Zebras, he said he hoped to put on the white hat at the NFL level, but that never came to fruition. “I let that be known about my fifth season, but I was never asked to work the position.” He added, “I simply enjoyed where I was.”

While he never reached the Super Bowl, Carlsen was the Super Bowl XLVI alternate. In 24 seasons, Carlsen worked 19 playoff games on the field: seven wild card games, six divisional playoff games and three conference championships. He was also two-time Pro Bowl official with the 2013 contest his retirement game.

Ed Hochuli remembered Carlsen (nicknamed “Chico” after his home town) in a comment to Football Zebras.

I was so sad to hear of Chico’s passing. He was a wonderful, compassionate person whom I was very proud to call my good friend. He was also an excellent football official and worked several years on my crew. But what most impressed me about Chico was his character. In today’s world where so many people‘s attitudes seem to be – “it’s all about me” – and so many folks seem oblivious to others, Chico was never that way. He was just a wonderful human being , and I will always treasure the laughs and good times we had together. God bless.

Steve Wilson worked as a NFL umpire for 12 years. But, his friendship with Carlsen goes all the way back to 1982.

My path crossed with Don Carlson in August of 1982. We both joined the D-1 conference the Pac-10 at that time.  From that moment on he became a wonderful friend and became known by many as”Chico”.

I don’t believe I ever connected with Don when I didn’t see his infectious smile and positive comments. He was an incredible encourager to everyone. He opened his home to anyone that wanted to venture up into the mountains and share in his slice of heaven. 

From what I know, Don was an excellent employee and did his job with a commitment to excellence. It is truly the same way he approached officiating as well. He studied hard and was always committed to this avocation. 

One thing I always admired about Don was how he continually sought to include family members in his correspondence and when we traveled together. My wife truly loved Don. 

His death came as quite a shock to everyone. He was truly a bright light gone too soon. We love and miss you my good friend. Number 39 will always be number one in my book. Rest easy brother Don.

Off the field, Carlsen was an accountant eventually rising to superintendent of finance with the Butte County Office of Education. He served as president of the Chico State Alumni Association and served on alumni boards for Chico State football and rugby. Carlsen also received the Chico State Distinguished Alumni Award.

Carlsen is survived by his wife, two children, one grandchild, four step children and six step grandchildren.

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

Donald Edward “Don” Carlsen, 79, of Chico, California passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025. Don grew up in Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek, California. He attended Oak Grove Elementary School, Las Lomas High School, and Chico State University where he graduated with a degree in accounting. While studying accounting, Don also played football, baseball, and rugby. He was a dedicated student athlete who was later inducted into the Chico State Hall of Fame.

Don had two very successful careers. He rose through the ranks in accounting with the Butte County Office of Education where he ended his career as the assistant superintendent in charge of finance. Don was a stickler for details and managed his budget to the penny. Don’s other exciting and successful career was with the National Football League as a side judge. He worked his way up to the NFL through years spent officiating high school, Big Sky, and Pac 10 games. Don valued those experiences and the great people who mentored and befriended him along the way. Don’s 24 year career with the NFL saw him working approximately 480 games with many postseason assignments. He enjoyed the excitement of game day, his friendships with fellow officials, and the work involved in being a consummate professional.

Don had a passionate commitment to Chico State. He served as president of the Chico State Alumni Association for several years. In that role, he spent his energy on fundraising, scholarships, and promoting Chico State events. He also served on many committees. Don was very involved with Chico State athletics. He was a member of the Chico State Athletics Hall of Fame committee as well as serving on boards for Chico alumni football and rugby. Don was awarded the Chico State Distinguished Alumni Service Award as a testament to his impact across athletics, education, and community service at Chico State.

Don had boundless energy. In addition to his professional endeavors, he loved to spend time with family and friends. His hobbies included golf, travel, working out, Hawaii vacations, and spending time at the log cabin he built at Lake Almanor. One of Don’s many gifts was his ability to maintain friendships. He was always planning get togethers and reaching out to people. Don loved a party with good friends, good food, and Cuba Libres!

Don’s number one priority in life was his family. He was a very proud father and grandfather. Don was preceded in death by his father Carl and mother Lorraine Carlsen. He is survived by his loving wife Cindy, daughter Kristy and her husband Chris Capozzo, son Kyle, his wife Roxanne, and their beautiful daughter Rae. Don is also survived by his twin brother Richard and his wife Cathy, and his sister Pamela and her daughter Kathryn. In addition, he is survived by his stepchildren Michelle and her husband Aaron Landreth, Christina and her husband Ali Beheshti, Bertrand and his wife Trang Ithurburn, Robert and his wife Alysia Ithurburn, and their six children who adored “Papa Don”.

A memorial to honor Don was held at Butte Creek Country Club on Nov. 16. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Chico State Athletics.