Search By First Name of HOFers
Art Donovan
Inducted:
1968
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
263 lb (119 kg)
Born:
June 5, 1924
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Died:
August 4, 2013
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Position:
Defensive tackle
College:
Notre Dame
Boston College
Art Donovan was one of the NFL’s toughest and most colorful defensive linemen, known for both his play and personality. A cornerstone of the Baltimore Colts’ dominant defenses of the 1950s, Donovan was relentless at the line of scrimmage, combining power, quickness, and grit. He helped lead the Colts to back-to-back NFL Championships in 1958 and 1959 and earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections.
Known as “The Bulldog,” he was the first Colts player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Donovan also served with distinction in World War II before his football career, which only added to his legend. After retiring, he became a fan favorite for his humorous storytelling and appearances on television, bringing old-school football toughness to life.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1968 and remains one of the game's most beloved linemen.
Donovan's Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL champion (1958, 1959)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1954–1957)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1958, 1960)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1953–1957)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor
- Indianapolis Colts No. 70 retired
- Boston College Eagles Jersey retired
NFL Records
- First Baltimore Colts player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Played in the 1958 NFL Championship Game
- First Hall of Famer to gain widespread fame for storytelling and media appearances
- Known for incredible football IQ
NFL Teams
Baltimore Colts (1950)
New York Yanks (1951)
Dallas Texans (1952)
Baltimore Colts (1953–1961)
Art McNally
Inducted:
2022
Player Stats
Born:
July 1, 1925
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:
January 1, 2023
Yardley, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Supervisor of officials
College:
Temple
Art McNally was a pioneering figure in the NFL, widely recognized for his contributions to officiating and the integrity of the game. Starting as a line judge in 1959, he later became Director of Officiating from 1968 to 1991, shaping the standards and practices that modern NFL referees follow today. McNally emphasized professionalism, consistency, and fairness, implementing rigorous training programs, evaluation systems, and innovative rules interpretations to improve the quality and credibility of officiating.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail and calm leadership, he helped the NFL maintain high standards during periods of rapid growth and increasing national attention. Even after retirement, McNally remained active as a consultant and ambassador for the league, mentoring generations of officials. His influence extended beyond the field, ensuring that games were conducted with integrity and respect.
Art McNally was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022, honoring his lifelong contributions to the game of football.
McNally's Awards and Records
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (2022)
- NFL Officiating Pioneer
- Lifetime Contributor to Officiating Standards
- Inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2022
- Recipient of the Reds Bagnell Award, Maxwell Football Club, 2004
Notable Achievements
- Implemented modern NFL officiating training and evaluation
- Key figure in maintaining integrity and fairness in the league
- Mentored generations of NFL referees and officials
- Oversaw the first instant replay system in the NFL beginning with the 1986 season
- First recipient of the Gold Whistle Award, National Association of Sports Officials, 1988
NFL Teams
NFL Supervisor of officials (1968–1987)
NFL Director of officiating (1988–1990)
WAF Head of officiating (1991–1995)
NFL Assistant supervisor of officiating (1996–2007)
NFL Officiating observer and trainer (2008–2015)
Career Stats
NFL Officiating Tenure:
1959–1991
Director of Officiating:
1968–1991
Positions:
Line Judge, Officiating Director
Art Monk
Inducted:
2008
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Born:
December 5, 1957
White Plains, New York, U.S.
Position:
Wide receiver
College:
Syracuse (1976–1979)
Art Monk was the model of consistency, professionalism, and excellence, becoming one of the most reliable wide receivers in NFL history. Spending the majority of his career with the Washington Redskins (1980–1993), Monk was the steady force behind three Super Bowl championship teams (XVII, XXII, XXVI). Known for his precise routes, strong hands, and calm demeanor, he rarely sought the spotlight but always delivered in crucial moments.
In 1984, Monk became the first player in NFL history to record over 100 receptions in a single season, redefining what consistency meant at the position. His leadership and quiet determination made him the emotional anchor of the Redskins’ offense throughout their dominant years under coach Joe Gibbs. By the time he retired, Monk ranked among the all-time leaders in receptions and receiving yards.
Art Monk was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008, remembered not just for his numbers, but for his class, character, and championship legacy.
Monk's Awards and Honors
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XVII, XXII, XXVI)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1984, 1985)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1984–1986)
- NFL receptions leader (1984)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
NFL Records
- First player in NFL history with 100+ receptions in a season (1984)
- Retired as NFL’s all-time leader in receptions (1992)
- Known for durability, leadership, and quiet excellence
NFL Teams
Washington Redskins (1980–1993)
New York Jets (1994)
Philadelphia Eagles (1995)
NFL Draft:
1980: 1st round, 18th overall pick
Washington Redskins
Number Worn:
81, 85
NFL Stats
Seasons:
16 (1980–1995)
Games Played:
224
Game Started:
194
Receptions:
940
Receiving yards:
12,721
Receiving touchdowns:
68
Art Rooney
Inducted:
1964
Stats
Born:
January 27, 1901
Coulterville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:
August 25, 1988
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Team owner
Founder
College:
Indiana Normal
Georgetown
Art Rooney, affectionately known as “The Chief,” was the visionary founder and guiding force behind the Pittsburgh Steelers. Born in 1901, Rooney established the franchise in 1933, transforming it from one of the NFL’s early struggling teams into one of its most storied dynasties. His leadership style blended loyalty, patience, and a deep respect for the game and its players.
Rooney’s commitment to building a strong organizational culture laid the foundation for the Steelers’ eventual dominance in the 1970s, when the team captured four Super Bowl titles under his stewardship. Beyond his success on the field, he was admired for his humility, generosity, and devotion to Pittsburgh’s community and fans.
His influence extended across the league, helping shape the NFL’s identity during its formative years. Art Rooney’s legacy remains an enduring part of professional football history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964.
Rooney's Awards and Honors
- 4× Super Bowl champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
- Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
- Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Recipient of the inaugural Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award
NFL Records
- Founded the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933, one of the NFL’s oldest franchises
- Guided the Steelers from early struggles to a dominant dynasty
- Known for loyalty and fairness toward players, coaches, and staff
- Helped shape the modern NFL through decades of leadership and influence
NFL Teams
Pittsburgh Pirates/Steelers (1933–1988)
NFL Stats
NFL team ownership tenure:
1933-1988
Championships as Owner:
4 Super Bowls (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979)
Years Active:
55
Art Shell
Inducted:
1989
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
265 lb (120 kg)
Born:
November 26, 1946
Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
College:
Maryland State (1964–1967)
Art Shell was one of the most reliable and powerful offensive tackles of his era, anchoring the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders’ offensive line for 15 seasons. Drafted in 1968, he became known for his strength, discipline, and smooth footwork, protecting the quarterback’s blind side and opening lanes for a punishing rushing attack. Shell’s dominance was vital to the Raiders’ success during the 1970s and early 1980s, including their victories in Super Bowls XI and XV.
He earned eight Pro Bowl selections and was twice named a First-Team All-Pro, consistently ranking among the league’s best linemen. After retiring, Shell made history by becoming the first Black head coach in the modern NFL, adding another defining chapter to his legacy. His impact as both a player and coach remains significant in league history. Art Shell was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Shell's Awards and Honors
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XI, XV, XVIII)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1974, 1977)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1975, 1978)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1972–1978, 1980)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL Records
- First Black head coach in modern NFL history (1989)
- Key anchor for two Super Bowl–winning offensive lines
- One of the longest-tenured and most durable tackles of his era
NFL Teams
Oakland Raiders (1968–1982)
NFL Draft:
1968: 3rd round, 80th overall pick
Oakland Raiders
Number Worn:
78
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1970–1982)
Games Played:
207
Games Started:
169
Fumble recoveries:
8
Receiving Yards:
5
NFL Hall of Fame
The NFL Hall of Fame, also known as the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is where the legacies of NFL legends and their contributions to football history are celebrated. Located in Canton, Ohio, this iconic institution honors the greatest players, coaches, and contributors through its annual Hall of Fame enshrinement and NFL Hall of Fame ceremony. From the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and its nominees to the unforgettable Hall of Fame speeches, each year brings new highlights and moments that capture the spirit of the game. Featuring Hall of Fame players, coaches, and even legendary quarterbacks, the Hall showcases the rich history of football with exhibits, stories of remarkable careers, and events like the NFL Hall of Fame game. A visit to the Hall is a journey through the most iconic NFL greats, their achievements, and the unforgettable Hall of Fame moments that define the sport we love. 🏈✨