Notre Dame legend, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Lujack dies at 98
College football legend and former Pro Bowl quarterback for the Chicago Bears Johnny Lujack died Tuesday at his home in Naples, Florida after a brief illness, the University of Notre Dame said in a statement. He was 98.
Lujack led the Fighting Irish to three national championships and won the Heisman Trophy in 1947 at the beginning of the T-formation era. He replaced the program's first Heisman Trophy winner, Angelo Bertelli midseason as a sophomore in 1943 and won the first of his three titles. He then served time in the Navy during World War II and returned to win back-to-back championships in 1946 and 1947. The Fighting Irish went undefeated both seasons.
He also played defensive halfback and made a key game-saving play against Army in 1946. In the third quarter, he tackled fullback Doc Blanchard when he otherwise had a clear path for a touchdown. The game ended 0-0.
Two decades after Knute Rockne put the program on the national stage, Lujack helped keep Notre Dame in the public eye. He appeared on the cover of Life magazine in September of 1947, donning a green jersey and gold helmet.
Lujack, who hailed from Connellsville, Pennsylvania, was only the third player in Notre Dame history to letter in four sports. He also played baseball, basketball and track.
We mourn the loss of @NDFootball alumnus Johnny Lujack and remember the impact the Heisman winner and College Football Hall of Famer left.
We lift our thoughts and prayers for Lujack’s family, friends and loved ones.
🔗 https://t.co/LsFi9zkfjf pic.twitter.com/qJHVnxINn8— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) July 25, 2023
After his career under the Golden Dome, Lujack was selected No. 4 overall in the NFL draft by the Bears and made his debut in 1948. In four years with Chicago, he was named to the Pro Bowl twice. In 1949, he led the league with 2,658 passing yards and 23 touchdowns.
He left the professional ranks after the 1951 season because, per the New York Times, he didn't get along with owner and coach George Halas. He took an assistant coaching position at Notre Dame under his former coach Frank Leahy. He worked there for two seasons.
Lujack was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1960.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann, and two children, Mary and Jeff.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Johnny Lujack, Notre Dame legend and Heisman Trophy winner, dies at 98
