Tommy Bell

Tommy Bell, a distinguished Lexington, Kentucky attorney, rose to national prominence as one of the most respected NFL referees of his era. Known for his quick wit, he often liked to say, “During the week I practice the law. On Sunday, I am the law.”

Bell graduated from Lexington’s Henry Clay High School in 1939, where he excelled in football and track. He attended the University of Kentucky, playing on the freshman and junior varsity football teams before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he returned to UK, earning his undergraduate degree in 1948 and a law degree in 1950.

After returning to college from the war, Bell tried out for the varsity football team. Though he didn’t make the squad, he left a strong impression on head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. So much so that Bryant helped Bell land officiating assignments in both football and basketball within the Southeastern Conference, an opportunity that ultimately led him to the NFL in 1962.

Bell’s entry into the league was remarkable. He began his rookie season not as a line judge or back judge, but as a full-fledged referee, an extremely rare occurrence. In fact, no other official would take that same direct path in the NFL until 2014.

His first NFL game featured the Chicago Bears and their legendary coach George Halas. After Bell made a call Halas didn’t agree with, the coach told him, “Son, if you call like that, you won’t last in this league.” Bell didn’t flinch and replied “Mr. Halas, if I can’t call like that, I don’t want to officiate in this league.” Halas laughed and said, “Son, you’re going to be alright.”

For 15 seasons, Tommy Bell was “the law” on Sunday afternoons in the NFL, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most accomplished and respected referees. He officiated Super Bowl III, the iconic New York Jets upset over the Baltimore Colts, and Super Bowl VII, along with ten conference championship games. Bell also holds a unique place in sports history as the only person ever to officiate both a Super Bowl and an NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, which he did in 1956 and 1959. He retired from the NFL in 1977.

Bell’s legacy extended far beyond the football field. Named Lexington’s Most Outstanding Lawyer in 1966, he founded a prestigious law firm which still bears his name. He served on the University of Kentucky’s Board of Trustees and Athletic Board, as well as numerous nonprofit boards. He was a trusted voice in the broadcast booth for providing color commentary for Wildcat football and a popular public speaker. His impact was recognized with multiple awards and halls of fame inductions, and each year the Rotary Club of Lexington presents the Tommy Bell Award to the top high school scholar-athlete in Fayette County, a lasting tribute to his commitment to athletic excellence, education and community.

Tommy Bell passed away on February 20, 1986, at the age of 63. In a fitting gesture of respect, the University of Kentucky flew its flags at half-staff in honor of one of its most distinguished alumni.

Photos courtesy of Bruce Bell.