Fred Silva was an American football official in the National Football League for 21 seasons from 1968 to 1988.
12 Facts About Fred Silva
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2.
Fred Silva graduated in 1945 from Castlemont High School in Oakland where he played quarterback on the school's football team and earned all-state honors.
3.
At San Jose State, Fred Silva played football and was a running back and linebacker.
4.
Fred Silva became first athletic director at San Jose City College and he coached football, basketball, baseball, and track teams during his tenure at the school.
5.
Fred Silva led the football team to four championships during the 1950s and coached notable players that eventually played in the NFL such as Oakland Raiders quarterback Chon Gallegos and Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jim Cadile.
6.
Fred Silva worked football, basketball, and baseball games as an official.
7.
Fred Silva spent several years officiating at the collegiate level in the Pac-8.
8.
Fred Silva joined the NFL in 1967 as a line judge on legendary referee Tommy Bell's officiating crew and was promoted to referee in 1969.
9.
The highlight of Fred Silva's career was being selected as referee for Super Bowl XIV between the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1980.
10.
Fred Silva died on December 3,2004, at the age of 77 in Palo Alto, California.
11.
Fred Silva was a mentor to many younger people interested in athletics as a career choice.
12.
Fred Silva was the referee for the 1981 AFC Championship Game between the San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium.