Being an NFL official requires constant attention while on the field, even between plays.
Carl Paganelli, who had been serving as the game umpire for the Carolina Panthers’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, learned that the hard way. Paganelli needed to be carted off of the field after an accidental collision with a player ahead of a punt during the first quarter.
Paganelli, who’s been an NFL official since 1999, was receiving a football from the Panthers sideline ahead of a punt when Buccaneers linebacker Vi Jones ran into him, according to WCNC Charlotte’s Nick Carboni. Paganelli went down awkwardly after the inadvertent hit and needed medical assistance.
Paganelli appeared to be holding his lower leg, and a medical cart came out to take him off of the field for further medical attention.
