Undrey Wash has been employed with Allstate Insurance Company for 25 years after completing his degree in 1986 with a B.B.A. in Information Systems from University of Texas at Arlington. During his career with Allstate, he has handled auto and property claims and held various management assignments such as Frontline Performance Leader (FPL). As an FPL, Undrey has been instrumental in the careers of new leaders by offering to help them get acclimated to their new roles.
His current role is as Claims Controller. He is responsible for assigning personal lines property claims to inside and outside adjusters for the state of Texas. He has received the Employee of the Year Award and Allstate’s Chairman Award.
Undrey has also been employed by the National Football League for the last 12 years as an umpire. His career as a football official spans 29 years. Working intramural games at UTA, Undrey joined the Dallas Football Officials Association in 1982 where he started with pee-wee games and progressed to junior high and sub-varsity. He officiated games in the Mid-South, America Southwest and Lone Star conferences before advancing to the Southwest Conference in 1995. When he was hired in 1996 by the newly formed Big 12 Conference, he became the youngest umpire in the conference. Beginning in 1998, he also sharpened his officiating skills with NFL Europe for four summers.
His official move to the NFL began as an instant replay official in 1999 and later to the field in 2000 as an umpire. Situated where much of the play’s initial action occurs and considered to hold the most dangerous officiating position, Undrey stands behind the defensive line and linebackers most of the game. Since 2010 a change in the mechanics has moved him behind the offensive line during certain situations.
Some of his NFL career highlights have included working one of the greatest Monday Night Football games, “The Monday Night Miracle” in 2000. In that longest game in Monday Night Football history, the New York Jets were trailing the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter 30-7 and then scored 23 consecutive points to tie the game. In an overtime field goal at 1:08 am, the Jets came back to win 40-37.
Undrey also worked “The Tuck Rule Game”, known for the most memorable officiating call for that decade. It appeared the Oakland Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson had just sealed a trip to the AFC title game by sacking Tom Brady and knocking the ball loose. Instead, Brady’s fumble was overturned because of the “tuck rule”. The New England Patriots went on to beat the Raiders 16-13 in overtime and later win the 2002 Super Bowl.
In his more than a decade with the NFL, he has graded out for many post season assignments such as one Wild Card game, four Divisional Games, and two Conference Championships. He was also the alternate official in the 2005 Super Bowl.
With a great attitude and hard work, Undrey accomplished one of his ultimate NFL career goals. By the League evaluation system, he was identified as the NFL’s highest-rated umpire for the 2009 season and selected to work the 2010 Super Bowl.
He has been recognized by his peers for his dedication to officiating by receiving the Lifetime Award for his contributions to the Dallas Football Officials Association. He received the Jerry Goldberg Award for his outstanding contributions in mentoring beginning officials. He critiques, mentors and evaluates high school and college officials during the season and off season.
Undrey also gives back to the community through service to his church and others. At Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, he is active in the Media Ministry. Undrey has given back to UTA and the African-American Alumni Chapter of UT Arlington Alumni Association by becoming a charter member of the Committee of 100.
Happily married for 21 years to Sharon Wash, a real estate broker, they share his greatest challenge and joy of parenting their 3 year old daughter, Zoe.
