Notre Dame Legend And Heisman Winner Johnny Lujack Lifeless At 98

Johnny Lujack, the legendary Notre Dame quarterback who gained three nationwide championships within the Nineteen Forties with the Combating Irish, died Tuesday. He was 98 years outdated.

Lujack‘s granddaughter mentioned that he not too long ago entered hospice care, in response to ESPN.

As a sophomore in 1943, Lujack led Notre Dame to the nationwide title, filling in for Heisman winner Angelo Bertelli after he left the workforce to enter into World Conflict II as a Marine. Lujack took over a 6-0 Combating Irish squad that season.

Lujack additionally served within the navy, doing two years in the USA Navy.

After returning again to the workforce, Lujack introduced Notre Dame back-to-back nationwide championships in 1946 and 1947, and he was additionally a unanimous All-American each campaigns — additionally profitable the celebrated Heisman Trophy in ’47.

We mourn the lack of @NDFootball alumnus Johnny Lujack and keep in mind the influence the Heisman winner and Faculty Soccer Corridor of Famer left.

We raise our ideas and prayers for Lujack’s household, mates and family members.

🔗 https://t.co/LsFi9zkfjf pic.twitter.com/qJHVnxINn8

— The Combating Irish (@FightingIrish) July 25, 2023

On the time of his dying, Lujack was the oldest dwelling winner of the Heisman.

The Combating Irish legend’s most well-known play is taken into account to be a sort out that he made within the “Sport of the Century,” a contest between No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 1 Military in 1946 — a sport held at Yankee Stadium.

Lujack made a sort out on Military’s Doc Blanchard (one other Heisman winner) that saved a landing from going towards the Combating Irish, and the play additionally resulted within the sport ending in a scoreless tie.

As Notre Dame’s quarterback, Lujack tallied a 21-1-1 file

Lujack additionally performed basketball, baseball and competed in monitor whereas attending the South Bend, Indiana college.

He additionally performed within the NFL, suiting up for the Chicago Bears from 1948-51. In 1949 particularly, Lujack led the league in each passing yards (2,658) and touchdowns (23).

Johnny Lujack was the oldest dwelling Heisman winner, at 98.

He was additionally a Naval officer in WW2, an actor, a broadcaster, a 3 time nationwide champ at ND, a Professional Bowler and a husband of 74 years.

Each man dies, not each man actually lives. RIP ☘️ pic.twitter.com/N3d45etPXR

— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) July 25, 2023

The icon additionally led the Nationwide Soccer League in speeding touchdowns in 1950 with 11.

Lujack was a Professional Bowler in each 1950 and 1951, retiring after the latter season at 26 years outdated.

Within the 1950’s, Lujack returned to Notre Dame as an assistant coach beneath Frank Leahy.

He was inducted into the Faculty Soccer Corridor of Fame in 1960. (RELATED: Chicago Blackhawks Proprietor Rocky Wirtz Dies Unexpectedly At 70)

Lujack is survived by his daughter and son, in addition to 5 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His spouse Patricia died in 2022, whereas one other daughter of his, Carol, died in 2002.