Dick Creed

Richard L. Creed (December 26, 1931 – December 28, 2024) was an American professional football on-field official.^[1]

Dick Creed
Born	(1931-12-26)December 26, 1931 Struthers, Ohio, U.S.
Died	December 28, 2024(2024-12-28) (aged 93) Struthers, Ohio, U.S.
Education	Youngstown College
Occupation	NFL official (1978–2012)
Awards	Art McNally Award (2012)

Biography

Creed worked two Super Bowls, XXVI as a side judge, and XXX as a back judge. In all, he covered 25 playoff games.^[1]

Creed started in the NFL in 1978,^[2] when the league upgraded to 7-man officiating crews. In his first season, he made a notable call in the fourth quarter of a Patriots-Jets game at Shea Stadium. Creed flagged Jets' defensive back Burgess Owens for a personal foul, which extended the Patriots drive. The Patriots ended up kicking a field goal, and won the game 19–17.^[3]

Creed wore #61 for most of his career. He retired from on-field officiating in 1998, but continued to serve as a replay official for the next 15 years.^[4]

Creed died at home in Struthers, Ohio on December 28, 2024, at the age of 93.^[4]