Photo by: Mark Campbell
Football Alum Matt Nagy Makes Major Gift to Delaware Athletics
8/28/2023 9:00:00 AM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – One of the winningest quarterbacks in the record books and a 2021 inductee into the Delaware Athletics Hall of Fame, Matt Nagy has already left his mark on the Blue Hen football program. Now, more than 20 years since he was carving up defenses in the Blue & Gold, the generosity of Nagy and his wife Stacey continues to cement his legacy at the University of Delaware.
"The University of Delaware and our football program care about both the student and the athlete," Nagy said. "That was very important to me. I was fortunate to build great relationships with so many teammates, coaches, and professors that have really helped my career, both on and off the field."
The Nagy family has made a gift to the future of UD Athletics to support an upcoming facilities project, of which details will be announced at a later date.
"We are so proUD of Matt for everything he's done in his career and the role model he is for our student-athletes," Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak said. "The Nagy's generosity and investment is something that I'm forever grateful for as we continue to provide an exceptional experience for our Blue Hens."
Nagy, who is currently the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, led the Blue Hens to a 38-12 record from 1997-2000 with two NCAA playoff appearances, including advancing to the national semifinals in 2000. Playing under Hall of Fame coach Tubby Raymond, Nagy had a breakout senior season earning Third Team All-America honors when he passed for then-Delaware records of 3,436 yards and 29 touchdowns. He set the program career standard for completions (502), and his marks for career passing yards (8,214), and touchdowns (58), are still tops among the UD records. His 556 yards passing vs. Connecticut in 1998 remains a UD record.
"UD was one of two schools that believed in me enough to offer me a full athletic scholarship in 1996. That meant the world to me and my family. Stacey has been my best teammate since that scholarship offer. We love the direction and vision that Chrissi Rawak, Coach Carty, and the rest of the coaches have for the future of UD athletics. This is a very exciting time to be a Blue Hen!"
The Manheim, Pennsylvania native would go on to enjoy a stellar six-year playing career in the Arena Football League, suiting up for four different organizations. During his career, Nagy completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 18,866 yards, 374 touchdowns and a 115.1 quarterback rating.
He retired from playing following the 2008 season and joined fellow Blue Hen and former teammate Brett Veach with the Philadelphia Eagles as a coaching intern. He spent 10 years coaching alongside Andy Reid in both Philadelphia and Kansas City before being hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2018 season, becoming the first Blue Hen to rise to that rank.
"My time at Delaware taught me that everything is earned and never given. Competition and adversity are inevitable. It's how you respond to both."
Nagy's Bears went 12-4 and won the NFC North in his first season in Chicago as he earned AP Coach of the Year honors. After four years and a 34-31 head coaching record, Nagy rejoined Reid's staff in Kansas City in 2022 and hoisted the Lombardi Trophy when the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII.
"Words cannot express how grateful we are for the generosity of the Nagy family," said Head Football Coach Ryan Carty. "This gift just confirms the type of person that Matt is. Delaware fans will remember his many accomplishments on the field, but it is his remarkable character that makes him a legend in the Blue & Gold. We are truly blessed to have amazing alums like Matt who are reinvesting into this program and Delaware Athletics."
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"The University of Delaware and our football program care about both the student and the athlete," Nagy said. "That was very important to me. I was fortunate to build great relationships with so many teammates, coaches, and professors that have really helped my career, both on and off the field."
The Nagy family has made a gift to the future of UD Athletics to support an upcoming facilities project, of which details will be announced at a later date.
"We are so proUD of Matt for everything he's done in his career and the role model he is for our student-athletes," Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak said. "The Nagy's generosity and investment is something that I'm forever grateful for as we continue to provide an exceptional experience for our Blue Hens."
Nagy, who is currently the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, led the Blue Hens to a 38-12 record from 1997-2000 with two NCAA playoff appearances, including advancing to the national semifinals in 2000. Playing under Hall of Fame coach Tubby Raymond, Nagy had a breakout senior season earning Third Team All-America honors when he passed for then-Delaware records of 3,436 yards and 29 touchdowns. He set the program career standard for completions (502), and his marks for career passing yards (8,214), and touchdowns (58), are still tops among the UD records. His 556 yards passing vs. Connecticut in 1998 remains a UD record.
"UD was one of two schools that believed in me enough to offer me a full athletic scholarship in 1996. That meant the world to me and my family. Stacey has been my best teammate since that scholarship offer. We love the direction and vision that Chrissi Rawak, Coach Carty, and the rest of the coaches have for the future of UD athletics. This is a very exciting time to be a Blue Hen!"
The Manheim, Pennsylvania native would go on to enjoy a stellar six-year playing career in the Arena Football League, suiting up for four different organizations. During his career, Nagy completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 18,866 yards, 374 touchdowns and a 115.1 quarterback rating.
He retired from playing following the 2008 season and joined fellow Blue Hen and former teammate Brett Veach with the Philadelphia Eagles as a coaching intern. He spent 10 years coaching alongside Andy Reid in both Philadelphia and Kansas City before being hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2018 season, becoming the first Blue Hen to rise to that rank.
"My time at Delaware taught me that everything is earned and never given. Competition and adversity are inevitable. It's how you respond to both."
Nagy's Bears went 12-4 and won the NFC North in his first season in Chicago as he earned AP Coach of the Year honors. After four years and a 34-31 head coaching record, Nagy rejoined Reid's staff in Kansas City in 2022 and hoisted the Lombardi Trophy when the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII.
"Words cannot express how grateful we are for the generosity of the Nagy family," said Head Football Coach Ryan Carty. "This gift just confirms the type of person that Matt is. Delaware fans will remember his many accomplishments on the field, but it is his remarkable character that makes him a legend in the Blue & Gold. We are truly blessed to have amazing alums like Matt who are reinvesting into this program and Delaware Athletics."
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
