The game of football lost a great one on Tuesday with the passing of 98-year-old Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Lujack.
The former Notre Dame quarterback, who led the Fighting Irish to three national championships and a 21-1-1 record, reportedly died in Florida after a brief illness, according to his granddaughter.
A World War II vet who also lettered in baseball, basketball and track during his days in South Bend, Lujack was the fourth overall pick in the 1946 NFL Draft and made two Pro Bowls and an All-Pro team as the QB of the Chicago Bears. He’d later retire after just four seasons, citing low wages.
Fans and media members sent their prayers to the Lujack family across social media:
“We mourn the loss of Notre Dame Football alumnus Johnny Lujack and remember the impact the Heisman winner and College Football Hall of Famer left,” the Fighting Irish tweeted. “We lift our thoughts and prayers for Lujack’s family, friends and loved ones.”
We mourn the loss of @NDFootball alumnus Johnny Lujack and remember the impact the Heisman winner and College Football Hall of Famer left.
We lift our thoughts and prayers for Lujack’s family, friends and loved ones.
🔗 https://t.co/LsFi9zkfjf pic.twitter.com/qJHVnxINn8
— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) July 25, 2023
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lujack family, his teammates, and friends. Mr. Lujack’s contributions to Notre Dame Football and his honorable military service to our country will never be forgotten,” Holtz’s Heroes added. “He epitomized God, Country, and Notre Dame!”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lujack family, his teammates, and friends. Mr. Lujack’s contributions to @NDFootball and his honorable military service to our country will never be forgotten. He epitomized God, Country, and @NotreDame!
💙💛— Holtz’s Heroes Foundation (@HoltzHeroes) July 25, 2023
“Rest in Peace to one of the All Time greats,” an account said. “Thoughts and prayers go out to the Lujack family.”
Rest in Peace to one of the All Time greats. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Lujack family https://t.co/7GuTCsLw5R
— 4 Horsemen Podcast (@HorsemenPod) July 25, 2023
Lujack was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1960. During his time in the NFL, he played ahead of pro football legends Sid Luckman and George Blanda.