1997 Inductee Art Demmas, legendary NFL referee and Vanderbilt football standout, died Saturday August 6, 2016. He was 83.

An All-American high school football player, Art Demmas went on to become a four-year letterman at Vanderbilt University and co-captain of the 1956 team. As a lineman for the Commodores, Demmas earned Third-Team All-SEC honors and was a Second-Team Academic All-American. He also participated in the 1956 North/South Shrine game and was a member of Vanderbilt’s 1955 Gator Bowl team. After graduating, Demmas began a long and illustrious career as a football official. He started calling high school games in 1958 and went on to officiate in the SEC for eight years. Moving up to the big leagues, Demmas went to the NFL as a game umpire in 1968, and since that time, has worked numerous playoffs, three championships games, and four super bowls. Demmas is presently the Southern Coordinator of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, and works as a trainer for NFL officials. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the “Contribution to Football Award” from the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, as well as the Harry Aggonis Award and the Hellenic Spirit Award, two national honors for outstanding achievement in the field of athletics for individuals of Greek descent. Oh, and by the way, Demmas has also won three southern doubles handball championships! Art Demmas’ fine career as an athlete and official brings pride to his alma mater and the entire state of Tennessee.