![Johnny Lujack, the legendary Notre Dame quarterback who won three national championships in the 1940s with the Fighting Irish, died Tuesday. He was 98. [Twitter/Screenshot/Public — @FightingIrish]](https://images.dailycaller.com/image/width=960,height=411,fit=cover,f=auto/https://cdn01.dailycaller.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-26-10.17.21-AM-e1690381093145.png "Johnny Lujack, the legendary Notre Dame quarterback who won three national championships in the 1940s with the Fighting Irish, died Tuesday. He was 98. [Twitter/Screenshot/Public — @FightingIrish]")
Johnny Lujack, the legendary Notre Dame quarterback who won three national championships in the 1940s with the Fighting Irish, died Tuesday. He was 98 years old.
Lujack’s granddaughter said that he recently entered hospice care, according to ESPN.
As a sophomore in 1943, Lujack led Notre Dame to the national title, filling in for Heisman winner Angelo Bertelli after he left the team to enter into World War II as a Marine. Lujack took over a 6-0 Fighting Irish squad that season.
Lujack also served in the military, doing two years in the United States Navy.
After returning back to the team, Lujack brought Notre Dame back-to-back national championships in 1946 and 1947, and he was also a unanimous All-American both campaigns — also winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in ’47.
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
At the time of his death, Lujack was the oldest living winner of the Heisman.
The Fighting Irish legend’s most famous play is considered to be a tackle that he made in the “Game of the Century,” a contest between No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 1 Army in 1946 — a game held at Yankee Stadium.
Lujack made a tackle on Army’s Doc Blanchard (another Heisman winner) that saved a touchdown from going against the Fighting Irish, and the play also resulted in the game ending in a scoreless tie.
As Notre Dame’s quarterback, Lujack tallied a 21-1-1 record
Lujack also played basketball, baseball and competed in track while attending the South Bend, Indiana university.
He also played in the NFL, suiting up for the Chicago Bears from 1948-51. In 1949 specifically, Lujack led the league in both passing yards (2,658) and touchdowns (23).
Johnny Lujack was the oldest living Heisman winner, at 98.
He was also a Naval officer in WW2, an actor, a broadcaster, a 3 time national champ at ND, a Pro Bowler and a husband of 74 years.
Every man dies, not every man really lives. RIP ☘️ pic.twitter.com/N3d45etPXR
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) July 25, 2023
The icon also led the National Football League in rushing touchdowns in 1950 with 11.
Lujack was a Pro Bowler in both 1950 and 1951, retiring after the latter season at 26 years old.
In the 1950’s, Lujack returned to Notre Dame as an assistant coach under Frank Leahy.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1960. (RELATED: Chicago Blackhawks Owner Rocky Wirtz Dies Unexpectedly At 70)
Lujack is survived by his daughter and son, as well as five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His wife Patricia died in 2022, while another daughter of his, Carol, died in 2002.