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Every former Notre Dame football player in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

By Joey Loose

Bryant Young looks skyward while recalling the memory of his late son Colby, who died of cancer, during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton on Saturday, August 6, 2022.Bryant Young 0079
Bryant Young looks skyward while recalling the memory of his late son Colby, who died of cancer, during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton on Saturday, August 6, 2022.Bryant Young 0079 /
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August 3, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; The name of former Green Bay Packers player Johnny McNally on the ring of fame around Lambeau Field prior to the Family Night scrimmage in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
August 3, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; The name of former Green Bay Packers player Johnny McNally on the ring of fame around Lambeau Field prior to the Family Night scrimmage in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Johnny McNally

Much like Lambeau, Johnny “Blood” McNally would spend time at Notre Dame but never play a snap for the Fighting Irish, eventually playing semi-professional ball before later graduating from the school.

McNally was a halfback whose NFL career started back in 1925 and spanned more than a decade. He played for a few now-defunct NFL franchises and the Pittsburgh Pirates (an early version of the Steelers), but had his best success during seven years with the Green Bay Packers.

While some of the stats are foggy from nearly a century ago, McNally was a valuable runner and pass-catcher, leading the NFL in receiving touchdowns in at least one of those seasons with the Packers.

During that time, he was also part of four NFL championships, including the previously mentioned Packers’ repeat between 1929 and 1931. He scored a number of touchdowns in his career, while also spending time as a passer and kicker at points as well.

Finishing off his football career as head coach for both the Steelers and St. John’s, McNally was part of the Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1963. Nicknamed the “Vagabond Halfback,” he made quite the impression on the game of football in its early stages, especially with the Packers and Pirates.

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