John Victor McNally Jr. was born on November 27, 1903, in New Richmond, Wisconsin. He was the fourth of six children born to Mary and John McNally Sr. Growing up in New Richmond, McNally graduated from high school at age 14. He later attended Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he earned letters in several sports. He transferred to Notre Dame in 1926 but did not play there. Instead, McNally started his football career with semi-professional teams.
McNally went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL. He played for six teams, including the Green Bay Packers, where he won multiple championships. He also played for the Pottsville Maroons, Milwaukee Badgers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. McNally was known for his agility, speed, and pass-catching ability. He helped the Packers win three consecutive championships from 1929 to 1931.
After retiring from football, McNally coached the Pittsburgh Pirates and later the Kenosha Cardinals. He also worked as a coach at Saint John’s University and returned to New Richmond, where he ran an employment agency. McNally was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963. He died on November 28, 1985, in Palm Springs, California. McNally’s legacy is remembered in New Richmond, where he is honored as a hometown sports legend.
