Paul Hornung
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| Paul Hornung | |
|---|---|
| Name | Paul Hornung |
| Position | Halfback, Placekicker |
| Birth date | 23 December 1935 |
| Birth place | Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Death date | 13 November 2020 |
| Death place | Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Weight lbs | 215 |
| High school | Flaget High School (Louisville) |
| College | University of Notre Dame |
| Draft year | 1957 |
| Draft team | Green Bay Packers |
| Career start | 1957 |
| Career end | 1966 |
| Career highlights | * NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966) * Super Bowl champion (I) * NFL Most Valuable Player (1961) * Heisman Trophy (1956) * 2× Pro Bowl (1959, 1960) * Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame * Pro Football Hall of Fame (1986) |
| Stat label1 | Rushing yards |
| Stat value1 | 3,711 |
| Stat label2 | Rushing touchdowns |
| Stat value2 | 50 |
| Stat label3 | Receptions |
| Stat value3 | 130 |
| Stat label4 | Receiving touchdowns |
| Stat value4 | 12 |
| Stat label5 | Field goals |
| Stat value5 | 66 |
| Stat label6 | Extra points |
| Stat value6 | 190 |
| Stat label7 | Total points |
| Stat value7 | 760 |
Paul Hornung. An iconic figure in American sports, he achieved legendary status as a versatile halfback and placekicker for the Green Bay Packers during their dynasty under coach Vince Lombardi. Known as "The Golden Boy," he won the Heisman Trophy at the University of Notre Dame and was a central figure in the Packers' championship runs, including victory in Super Bowl I. His career was also marked by a season-long suspension in 1963 for gambling, a controversy that underscored his complex legacy as one of the most celebrated and scrutinized athletes of his era.
Early life and college career
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Hornung attended Flaget High School where he excelled in multiple sports. He accepted a scholarship to play for the University of Notre Dame under coach Frank Leahy. At Notre Dame, Hornung played quarterback, halfback, and defensive back, leading the team in passing, rushing, and scoring during the 1955 season. Despite the team's mediocre record, his all-around performance earned him the Heisman Trophy in 1956, becoming the only player from a losing team to win the award until Jay Berwanger. His college career cemented his reputation as a versatile and gifted athlete, drawing significant attention from the National Football League.
Professional football career
Selected first overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 1957 NFL Draft, Hornung's professional career blossomed with the arrival of Vince Lombardi in 1959. Operating in Lombardi's famed power sweep offense alongside fullback Jim Taylor, Hornung became a scoring machine from his halfback position, also serving as the team's primary placekicker. He led the NFL in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1959–1961), setting a single-season record with 176 points in 1960, and was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 1961. He was instrumental in the Packers' victories in the 1961 and 1962 title games and their win in Super Bowl I following the 1965 season. His career was interrupted in 1963 when NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle suspended him and Alex Karras of the Detroit Lions for betting on NFL games and associating with known gamblers.
Post-football life and legacy
After retiring due to a neck injury, Hornung transitioned into broadcasting, working as a color analyst for CBS Sports on NFL broadcasts and for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football radio. He also ventured into business, including real estate and partnerships in the Kentucky Derby festival scene. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the College Football Hall of Fame. His legacy is preserved through the Paul Hornung Award, established in 2010, which honors the most versatile player in major college football. His number 5 is unofficially retired by the Green Bay Packers, and he remains a revered, if complicated, symbol of the Lombardi Era.
Personal life and legal issues
Hornung's life off the field was characterized by a charismatic, playboy image that often placed him in the spotlight. His suspension for gambling by Pete Rozelle was a major scandal, though he was later reinstated. He was briefly engaged to actress Mamie Van Doren and was known for his social life in Green Bay and Chicago. In later years, he faced lawsuits related to business dealings and made controversial comments, including a 2004 suggestion that Notre Dame needed to lower its academic standards for athletes. He spent his final years in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where he was involved in various charitable endeavors.
Awards and honors
Hornung's trophy case includes the sport's most prestigious individual awards. In college, he received the Heisman Trophy and was a consensus All-American. As a professional, he earned the NFL Most Valuable Player award, was named to two Pro Bowls, and was a first-team All-Pro selection. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, and the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame. The Green Bay Packers have also named him to their 50th Anniversary All-Time Team and their 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. The Paul Hornung Award, presented annually in Louisville, Kentucky, ensures his name remains synonymous with versatility and excellence in football.
Category:American football halfbacks Category:Green Bay Packers players Category:Heisman Trophy winners Category:Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees