University of Illinois Athletics

Hugh “Shorty” Ray, Baseball • 1905-06, Basketball • 1906, Contributor to Sport

Shorty Ray contributed to the game of professional football as the primary writer of the rules book and as the NFL Supervisor of Officials from 1938-52. Ray streamlined rules to improve tempo of play and increase safety. Only 5-6, 136 pounds, he played baseball, football and basketball at Illinois and was captain of the 1906 basketball team. Ray officiated Big Ten football, basketball and baseball games in the 1920s and 30s. He was referred to as pro football’s “unknown hero,” who helped save an often-unexciting game from extinction. At the urging of George Halas, brought his officiating expertise to the NFL in 1938 and insisted his officials become absolute masters of the rules book. Ray was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966. He died in 1956 at age of 71.