It is with a heavy heart that we must report the passing of Johnny Lujack, the 1947 Heisman Trophy Winner and three-time National Champion with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Lujack passed away on Tuesday, October 6th at the age of 98.
Lujack was born in 1925 in Connellsville, Pennsylvania and attended Connellsville High School, where he was a three-sport star in football, basketball, and baseball. He was recruited to play football at Notre Dame in 1943 and was a two-way player, playing both quarterback and defensive back.
In 1947, Lujack led the Fighting Irish to an undefeated season and a national championship. He was also awarded the Heisman Trophy that year, becoming the first Notre Dame player to win the award. He was also named an All-American that year.
Lujack’s success at Notre Dame continued as he led the team to two more national championships in 1948 and 1949. He was also named an All-American in 1948 and 1949.
After college, Lujack was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 1950 NFL Draft. He played for the Bears for five seasons and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection. He also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams before retiring in 1956.
Lujack was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981 and his number, 39, was retired by Notre Dame in 2012.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Lou, as well as his four children, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Johnny Lujack will be remembered as one of the greatest players in Notre Dame history. His legacy will live on through his family and all those who were inspired by his accomplishments on and off the field. He will be deeply missed.
