Who was Bill Leavy? Controversial Super Bowl XL referee dies at 76

Former NFL referee Bill Leavy, who led the Super Bowl XL crew, passed away on March 28th, 2023 at age 76.

Leavy was a referee in the NFL for 20 seasons from 1994-2014 and announced his retirement on May 13th, 2015 after the 2014 season.

He was a two-time Super Bowl official. Leavy was a part of Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000 and more notably in Super Bowl XL in 2006. He was a retired police officer and firefighter for San Jose, California, for 27 years.

Upon retiring, former line judge John Hussey replaced him.

Bill Leavy cause of death

No details have been mentioned as of yet regarding Leavy's death. We will provide further updates regarding his death once details are released.

Leavy wishes he had called Super Bowl XL better

Leavy is infamously known for his controversial officiating in Super Bowl XL.

Upon visiting the Seattle Seahawks in 2010 during one of their preseason training camp sessions, he opened up about his poor officiating in the big game.

Leavy said:

"It was a tough thing for me. I kicked two calls in the fourth quarter and I impacted the game, and as an official, you never want to do that. It left me with a lot of sleepless nights, and I think about it constantly... I'll go to my grave wishing that I'd been better."

He added:

"I know that I did my best at that time, but it wasn't good enough. When we make mistakes, you got to step up and own them. It's something that all officials have to deal with. Unfortunately, when you have to deal with it in the Super Bowl it's difficult."

Before officiating in the NFL, Leavy was a referee in the Big West Conference in college for 11 seasons. He officiaited four college Bowl games throughout his college career.

He was born on February 13th, 1947, in Santa Barbara, California.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Bill Leavy and H/T Sportskeedsa