long time NFL Administrator Karl Madsen died on Sunday while returning home from Kansas City Chiefs–Tennessee Titans The match, the league announced on Monday. He was 71 years old.
Walt Anderson, the NFL vice president responsible for training and development, confirmed the news of Madsen’s death in a statement. The cause of death was not immediately known.
Titans take a look at the AFC Championship contender now
“Karl Madsen has been a responsible player in the NFL for more than two decades, first as a highly respected official on the field before moving to the replay role beginning in 2009,” Anderson said in a statement.
NFL Umpire Carl Madsen stands in position during game action between the St. Louis Rams and the Baltimore Ravens at the Edward Jones Dome on August 23, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
“A wonderful friend and colleague, Karl’s love for football and dedication to management was always present, generously sharing his time to mentor young administrators in clinics across the country. An Air Force veteran, Karl had an immense spirit and will that we miss so much.”
NFL referee Karl Madsen speaks to 98th linebacker Shane Burton of the Carolina Panthers during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 15, 2002 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(George Djokovic/Getty Images)
According to the NFL Network, Madsen died while “on his way home” from a Titans game in Nashville.
Referee Karl Madsen, National Football League referee, watches the play during a game between the Washington Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles at Veterans Stadium on October 8, 2000 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Goikovic/Getty Images)
Madsen served 12 seasons as a field officer from 1997-2008, according to NFL.com. The following year he became a re-official. He worked in three playoff matches as a referee and four other matches as a replay official.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Introvert. Award-winning internet evangelist. Extreme beer expert.”