Johnny Lujack Dies: Naples, FL Johnny Lujack, a quarterback for Notre Dame Heisman Trophy winner, has died. The real star of college sports. In a statement, the University said that the well-known wrestler died at age 98 after a short sickness.
On the field, Lujack did very well. During the time when the Fighting Irish used the T-formation, he led them to three national wins. In 1947, Angelo Bertelli gave him the Heisman Trophy in the middle of the 1943 season. His fame started here. This lucky change led to a successful and hardworking job.
During WWII, Lujack did a brave job in the Navy. He went back to sports with a lot of enthusiasm. In 1946 and 1947, he led Notre Dame to two perfect years. Lujack was the quarterback and the halfback on defense. In 1946, his important stop kept Army from scoring, which led to a tense tie score of 0-0. Here, his job changed.
After Knute Rockne made Notre Dame famous, Lujack kept the practice going and won a lot of friends. In September 1947, he wore the famous green shirt and gold helmet for a photo in Life magazine.
Lujack, who was from Connellsville, Pennsylvania, was only the third athlete at Notre Dame to excel in four sports. He was great at football, baseball, basketball, and running.
After a great college career, the Chicago Bears picked Lujack fourth overall in the NFL draft. During his four great years with the Bears, he was named to the Pro Bowl twice. In 1949, he threw for 2,658 yards and 23 scores, which showed how tough he was.
After the 1951 season, Lujack quit professional baseball because he had a fight with the team’s owner and coach, George Halas. He became Frank Leahy’s assistant coach at Notre Dame. Two times, he helped Notre Dame win.
Lujack got into the College Football Hall of Fame in the year 1960. This achievement will make him famous forever.
His family was the most important thing he left behind. His wife, Patricia Ann, and his two beloved children, Mary and Jeff, will remember how hard he worked and how strong he was. As we say goodbye, we remember how passionate, honest, and full of promise a football legend was. He gives sports fans all over the world hope. Johnny Lujack was good at sports and played by the rules.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What happened to Johnny Lujack?
On July 25, 2023, at the age of 98, Lujack passed away at a hospice in Naples, Florida.
Who are the 7 Heisman winners from Notre Dame?
In this 1987 photo from the Heisman Trophy presentation, Tim Brown can be seen in the center, surrounded by Notre Dame’s six other Heisman winners. From left to right, the other winners are John Lujack, Angelo Bertelli, Leon Hart, Paul Hornung, John Huarte, and John Lattner. The photo captures a moment of Brown catching a pass at Michigan in 1987.