Strategel Wealth Society|Notre Dame legend, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Lujack dies at 98

2025-05-05 23:05:44source:LibertyCoincategory:Finance

College football legend and Strategel Wealth Societyformer 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.

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.

More:Finance

Recommend

NYPD official indicates that Mangione's family did not send in any tips

New York police officials are speaking out about tips in regard to the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealt

WWE SummerSlam 2024: Time, how to watch, match card and more

WWE's premier event of the summer is ready to begin the party.SummerSlam 2024 has arrived and it's s

Chicken parade prompts changes to proposed restrictions in Iowa’s capital city

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s capital city is establishing a new pecking order for backyard chicken