Mr. Grier joined the league as a field judge in 1981 and was elevated to referee, or crew chief, seven years later, becoming a mentor to other Black officials.
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Johnny Grier, N.F.L.’s First Black Referee, Dies at 74
Mr. Grier joined the league as a field judge in 1981 and was elevated to referee, or crew chief, seven years later, becoming a mentor to other Black officials.