The NFL is mourning the loss of a longtime referee. Carl Madsen dies on his way home from the Tennessee Titans game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Local police are calling it a medical emergency. The 71-year-old is found unconscious in his car.

Munich – Longtime NFL referee Carl Madsen is dead.

The NFL announced that the 71-year-old died while returning from an NFL game in Tennessee.

However, the circumstances have not yet been officially clarified. The Nashville Police Department told TMZ that initial signs indicated a medical emergency. A spokesperson said officers were notified by call of a vehicle blocking the roadway. At the scene, they found Madsen unconscious at the wheel.

Shortly before, he had been on duty as an official at the Tennessee Titans’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

“More than two decades a fixture in the NFL “

The NFL is mourning the loss of a true refereeing legend. “Carl Madsen was a fixture in the NFL for more than two decades, first as a highly respected on-field official before transitioning to the role of replay in 2009,” said Walt Anderson, NFL senior VP of officiating training and development.

Madsen officiated as a field referee in the NFL from 1997 to 2008, then moved behind the monitors. Until recently, he was considered one of the most experienced review referees in the league.

“Carl’s love of football and commitment to refereeing was pervasive. He invested his time mentoring young referees at seminars around the country. As an Air Force veteran, Carl had a great spirit and will be greatly missed,” Anderson said.