Temple University Athletics
Temple Graduate Art McNally Enshrined in Pro Football Hall of Fame
8.4.22 | Football, General
PHILADELPHIA – Earlier this year, Temple University alumni, Arthur Ignatius "Art" McNally (EDU '50) was selected to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022. As such, he became the first NFL game official to be enshrined.
McNally, 96, is a native of Philadelphia and graduated from Roman Catholic High School before earning his degree from Temple. He was a teacher and coach in the Philadelphia school district at Central High School until his appointment as the NFL's supervisor of officials before the 1968 season.
Before becoming director of officiating, McNally served as a field judge and referee in the NFL for nine years from 1959 to 1967. During a 22-year span, he officiated over 3,000 football, baseball, and basketball games, which included one year in the National Basketball Association.
As NFL director of officiating, McNally headed a department of five who coordinated and directed a staff of 112 game officials. He was responsible for the scouting, screening, hiring, and grading of the seven-man crews that work each NFL game. After retiring as director of officiating, McNally accepted the position as supervisor of officials for the World League of American Football in December 1991, a position he held for five years. McNally continued to serve as a league consultant and game observer thereafter.
McNally returned to the NFL front office in 1996 to work as an assistant supervisor of officials, a position he served in until 2008, before transitioning to an observer role for eight seasons. McNally officially retired following the 2015 season.
In addition to his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, McNally is also a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (enshrined in 1987) and Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame (enshrined in 2022). He was a recipient of the Reds Bagnell Award from the Maxwell Football Club in 2004. In 1988, McNally was the first-ever recipient of the Gold Whistle Award presented by the National Association of Sports Officials.
In 2002, then NFL Commissioner, Paul Tagliabue, created the Art McNally Award to annually honor an NFL game official who exhibits exemplary professionalism, leadership and commitment to sportsmanship on and off the field.
McNally is a veteran of World War II, serving in the Marines.
McNally, 96, is a native of Philadelphia and graduated from Roman Catholic High School before earning his degree from Temple. He was a teacher and coach in the Philadelphia school district at Central High School until his appointment as the NFL's supervisor of officials before the 1968 season.
Before becoming director of officiating, McNally served as a field judge and referee in the NFL for nine years from 1959 to 1967. During a 22-year span, he officiated over 3,000 football, baseball, and basketball games, which included one year in the National Basketball Association.
As NFL director of officiating, McNally headed a department of five who coordinated and directed a staff of 112 game officials. He was responsible for the scouting, screening, hiring, and grading of the seven-man crews that work each NFL game. After retiring as director of officiating, McNally accepted the position as supervisor of officials for the World League of American Football in December 1991, a position he held for five years. McNally continued to serve as a league consultant and game observer thereafter.
McNally returned to the NFL front office in 1996 to work as an assistant supervisor of officials, a position he served in until 2008, before transitioning to an observer role for eight seasons. McNally officially retired following the 2015 season.
In addition to his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, McNally is also a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (enshrined in 1987) and Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame (enshrined in 2022). He was a recipient of the Reds Bagnell Award from the Maxwell Football Club in 2004. In 1988, McNally was the first-ever recipient of the Gold Whistle Award presented by the National Association of Sports Officials.
In 2002, then NFL Commissioner, Paul Tagliabue, created the Art McNally Award to annually honor an NFL game official who exhibits exemplary professionalism, leadership and commitment to sportsmanship on and off the field.
McNally is a veteran of World War II, serving in the Marines.
Ep. 10: Temple Homecoming Preview; Volleyball Assistant Coach Taylor Davenport
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Sunday, October 05
Temple Defense, 10/4/25
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Sunday, October 05
