11.11.21 – Carl Paganelli, Jr.

Carl Paganelli NFL #124

Carl comes from a long line of sports enthusiast. His father, fondly known as the “Godfather of Officials in West Michigan” began officiating in the sixties. His brothers, Perry and Dino are NFL officials and have officiated Super Bowl games. Carl started his officiating career in 1978 as a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association. He has worked college football in Division III, Division II, the Mid-American Conference and the Big Ten Conference. His professional career started in 1987, when he was hired by the Arena Football League. Carl worked nine seasons in Arena Football and officiated two years in the Canadian Football League. Working his way to the NFL, he officiated three years in NFL Europe and in 1999, Carl was hired by the NFL.

His post season experience includes working high school playoffs, a Michigan High School Class A State Final, Division III and II Playoffs, two Arena Bowls, Canadian Football League Playoffs, and the 1999 NFL Europe World Bowl in Germany.

Carl has worked numerous playoff assignments in the NFL including Five Championship Games. His greatest accomplishments in officiating are his Four Super Bowl. His most memorable Super Bowl was Super Bowl 41, which he officiated with his oldest brother Perry, in Miami, Florida.

Carl married his high school sweetheart, Cathy who was the rock of the family and without her support, he never would have made it to the NFL. Cathy was his biggest fan and the love of his life. Cathy fought valiantly to beat cancer and after a 4 1/2 battle, the battle was over.

The pressures and stress of officiating a Super Bowl is intense knowing one mistake can cost a team the Super Bowl. For Carl, nothing compares to the to the pressure, stress, and anxiety of trying to keep his family together and continue life after Cathy’s death.

Carl lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and spends winters in Florida. He has two daughters, Carley and Crysta. He is a Retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer.