View image | gettyimages.com  John Keck, 1931-2015 John Keck, a 25-year NFL officiating veteran passed away on May 5 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was 83. Keck wore number 67 and was an umpire in the NFL from 1972 to 1996. Keck got started in officiating at the encouragement of his father-in-law.