NYCHA Remembers Former Resident, Longtime NFL Official Wayne Mackie

NYCHA is mourning the passing of Wayne Mackie, a former resident and longtime NFL official who officiated at Super Bowl 50 and was one of the first officials involved with the NYCHA/NFL Football Officiating Academy. He was 62. 

Mr. Mackie, who grew up at Brooklyn’s Linden Houses, officiated NFL games at the same time he served as the Director of Operations for the Division of Neighborhood Preservation at the City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Having served as an NFL head linesman from 2007 through 2016, Mr. Mackie was remembered as one of the League’s top officials at his position.  

“Wayne was passionate about the NFL and spent each day making a positive impact on all of us individually and contributing to our collective success,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Those who had the pleasure of knowing Wayne will forever remember his kindness, generosity, and the genuine spirit he brought to all aspects of his life. The NFL has experienced an enormous loss – and we are deeply saddened. Our hearts are with Wayne’s family and loved ones during this tragic time.” 

In addition to Super Bowl 50 in 2016, Mr. Mackie officiated eight playoff games and two conference championships during his NFL career, before transitioning to a corporate position in the NFL’s officiating department. Mr. Mackie recalled feeling “ecstatic” when he had the opportunity to work at America’s most-watched sporting event.  

“It was a great feeling to know that you’ve reached the pinnacle of success at something you strove for your entire career,” he said of the Super Bowl game in which the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers.  

Mr. Mackie shared his love of football with his passion for giving back to his community. He was among the first officials to participate in the NYCHA/NFL Football Officiating Academy, an eight-week, co-ed program for NYCHA residents ages 17 to 30 that taught participants the skills needed to become a football official.  

“I lived in Brooklyn and I also grew up in housing; I am the example that, if you focus, concentrate, and go to school, this is what you can do,” Mr. Mackie said previously, reflecting on his career.  

Photo caption: Former Linden Houses resident Wayne Mackie served as a head linesman in the NFL from 2007 through 2016. (Courtesy of NFL.com)