NEW YORK BOSTON |#Popular: Irish Celebrity Gossip Irish in US Politics Irish Festivals Irish Roots Irish Entertainment Offbeat Irish

Home Page > Sport > Top ten Irish American football players of all time

Top ten Irish American football players of all time

NFL stars with Irish links

BRYAN FITZGERALD,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Thursday, February 3, 2011, 4:04 AM

Updated Thursday, February 3, 2011, 10:51 AM

Larger Text

E-mail

10 Comments

New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady

9. John Hannah, lineman

1973-1985 New England Patriots

Hannah was originally drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots in 1973. For ten straight years he was named an all-Pro and considered to be the best lineman in football. The NFL Players Association recognized his unparalleled size, speed, and competitiveness by naming him offensive lineman of the year from 1978-1981. Hannah was a workhorse as he only missed five games because of injuries out of a possible 191 in his career. In his last year as a pro he helped guide the Patriots to a Super Bowl XX against the Chicago Bears. Hannah was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.

10. Mark Murphy, Safety

1977-1984 Washington Redskins

Murphy was an undrafted player in 1977 out of Colgate University. He played in Superbowls XVII and XVIII and was voted to two pro bowls in 1982 and 1983. Murphy served as co-captain of the Redskins form 1980-84. He finished his career with 27 interceptions and 282 return yards, as well as six fumble recoveries for 22 yards. He has been voted the 29th Greatest Washington Redskin of all-time.

After his playing days he received his law degree from Georgetown University. He now serves as the Green Bay Packers President and CEO.

Last page < 1 2

Nster.com

E-mail

10 Comments

See all comments

Liamkeyes | Nov 07, 2011, 02:02 PM EST

Tom. Brady is half Irish, his dad is 100%. Tom has said that his ancestors camr from Cork. This is always a misconception. His Father has said that the Brady's were from around Cavan. The reason that Cork comes into the picture is.A lot of People from various counties had to make their way down to Cobh(in Cork) to get a ship bound for the New World, some times they had to wait, a week or two or three for a Ship. In the meantime they had to book into a hotel, rooming house or other. Consequently, the last address that they had in Ireland was in Cork. Hence the mistake people make when searching for their ancestors come up with the mistaken notion that their people came from Cork. Mr. Brady(was aware of this) Another note of Interest, Mr. Brady a devout Catholic addrssing a Catholic Men's club in Boston a few years ago stated "Money does not fill the void in people's lives". in reponse to a questtion about Tom making all the big bucks. Mr Brady spent 6 years in a religious order but left before ordination.

Report abuse

bradybradyisaid | Mar 26, 2011, 02:47 AM EDT

Jim Kelly! #1 All the Way Brady; close 2nd

Report abuse

seagreen | Feb 13, 2011, 11:35 PM EST

Another all time great football player of Irish heritage was Jerome "filthy" McNasty who was an offensive lineman (really offensive) for Harry Wismer's old New York Titans of the early AFL Mcnasty received little notice while playing for New Bedford Voc. H.S,and little acclaim as a lineman for Faber College. McNasty was signed after an impressive tryout the Titans held at Randall Island Stadium in the East River. After two successful seasons he was released due to an incurable foot disease. He went on to have a successful career as a bus dispatcher in Baltimore notice as a high school player for New Bedford Voke H.S. in the 50's and little acclaim as a line man

Report abuse

davekemp | Feb 07, 2011, 08:12 PM EST

Both the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame site and the Football Hall of Fame site state that John McNally attended St. John's College. I believe the school has always been St. John's University.

Report abuse

seagreen | Feb 07, 2011, 08:40 AM EST

Brady has been designated as one of the most hated players in the NFL on a bit on ESPN. He is referred to as "pretty boy" indifferent, aloof etc... Yes, Brady has not yet malformed his body,, does not look like he is going thru Marine boot camp. has other things to do rather than watch two pro football teams (when he is not playing) Just says basic things during interviews. That is a result of the "Joe Namath set up" when the producer, and Suzy Kolber interviewed him when he was drunk! The anger still lingers from that among a lot of players, the result is that there is just inane non responsive replys during these obligatory interviews. On player said. "there is not one thing good that can come from talking to these people" As a result, the "we will work hard" "play as a team" comments will continue... Lets be real, if you look like Brady, Have a wife that is gorgeous, makes as much as he does, and do not look like a cro-magnon man, you would hate him too!

Report abuse

davekemp | Feb 06, 2011, 08:38 PM EST

Johnny "Blood" McNally attended St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. St. John's U.(MN) is my alma mater. Also the alma mater of Senator Eugene McCarthy, noted Irish-American politician.

Report abuse

slainte9 | Feb 06, 2011, 01:19 PM EST

Surprised to see that Rich Gannon ranks ahead of Peyton Manning, who according to previous Irish Central articles was married on St. Patrick's Day and calls plays in Gaelic.

Report abuse

ciarrai | Feb 06, 2011, 12:39 PM EST

What about Ken O'Brien and Pat Ryan, QB's for the Jets back in the 80's?

Report abuse

eddhiggins | Feb 06, 2011, 10:56 AM EST

What about Hugh McElhenny? Both college and pro Hall of Famer.

Report abuse

PhlutiePhan | Feb 04, 2011, 12:36 PM EST

I have to do some research but I'll bet that Howie Long is Irish.

Report abuse