Heisman Winner, Notre Dame Legend Johnny Lujack Dies at 98

ESPN ^ | Jul 25, 2023 | Adam Rittenberg

[nickcarraway]

Johnny Lujack, the 1947 Heisman Trophy winner at Notre Dame who became an All-Pro quarterback with the Chicago Bears, died in Florida on Tuesday after a brief illness. He was 98.

Lujack's death was confirmed by his granddaughter, Amy Schiller, who said he had entered hospice care recently after having been in good health until a couple of weeks ago.

Lujack led Notre Dame to three national championships in a career interrupted by two years of Navy service during World War II. He earned unanimous All-America honors in both 1946 and 1947, as Notre Dame did not lose a game, and he also earned varsity monograms in baseball, basketball and track at the school.

Playing quarterback in the T-formation as well as defensive back, Lujack became Notre Dame's second Heisman Trophy recipient, following Angelo Bertelli.

Lujack replaced Bertelli late in the 1943 season after Bertelli was summoned to the Marines. After nearly three years of his own military service, including one stretch on a sub chaser in the English Channel, Lujack returned to Notre Dame in 1946.

[Deplorable American1776]

When you hear deaths of famous people, it doesn’t affect you, however, this does me since I knew his daughter, as we went to a private school together. Rest in peace, Johnny, and prayers to his family.

[jerod]

Survived World War 2 and had Good health until he was 98... I guess some football players have harder heads than other football players. RIP Johnny Lujack.

[maddog55]

Wasn’t the jab... RIP.