Fritz Graf
Frederick "Fritz" Graf (born December 28, 1922), was one of the first officiators for the National Football League. He officiated for twenty three years including four Super Bowls (V, XIII, XV & XVIII).[1] He was involved in playoff games in 21 out of 23 years as an official. The most memorable game that he officiated was the "Ice Bowl" in 1967, which was the championship game between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys to determine who was going to the Super Bowl. The weather was so cold (-11 °F) that Fritz's whistle froze to his lips. The whistle can now be found in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. He wore the uniform number 34.[2]
Early life
Fritz was born and grew up in Akron, OH, graduating from St. Vincent High School in 1940. He then graduated from Midshipmen School NW University in Chicago, IL as an officer in the Navy. He eventually ended up in Hawaii where he was the officer in charge of recreation in Waikiki Beach, HI. He married his high school sweetheart, Rita, August 10, 1946 at Sacred Heart Church in Honolulu, Hawaii. Together they had ten children.[2]
Career
He started officiating high school games in 1945 and eventually worked his way to college and then the NFL in 1960.[2]
Fritz retired from officiating after Super Bowl XVIII in 1984, but continued to work with the NFL as an instant replay official for many years. Fritz states that the perfect ending to his career was when he ran out onto the field for Super Bowl XVIII and saw his wife and his children cheering him on, joined by others.
Many notable officials worked with Fritz including Tom Kelleher, Tommy Bell, and Jerry Bergman.
As of October 30, 2015, Fritz Graf currently lives in Akron, OH and officiates games from his home. He continues to attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame luncheon club regularly.[2] He is the oldest living NFL official.