Old Photos

Five old Notre Dame Football photos on a Friday — Heisman things

A bunch of Johns

By Joshua Vowles@TheSubwayDomer Apr 9, 2021, 12:20pm EDT

SOUTH BEND, IN - 1952: John Lattner #14 of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish poses for a portrait circa 1952 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.

Happy Friday everyone! I have access to thousands and thousands of Notre Dame Fighting Irish photos, and will never use a small fraction of those on this site. The thing is though — I want to, and I’m going to give it a solid shot as a way to bless the beginning of the weekend throughout the offseason.

It’s all about the Heisman today (mostly).

So let’s go!

Johnny Football

The kids out there may not know that the real Johnny Football played for the Irish. John Lattner won the Heisman in 1953, which was the final season for head coach Frank Leahy.

Another John

John Huarte was far down the depth chart at quarterback for the Irish until the arrival of Ara Parseghian. In Ara’s first year, Huarte became the starter and won the Heisman in 1964.

The First John

This small part of Johnny Lujack’s Wikipedia entry makes me green with envy: “Lujack attended Notre Dame, where he was given a scholarship by Frank Leahy, from 1942 to 1943 and then 1946 to 1947. His career was interrupted for two years by World War II after his sophomore season, where he served as an officer in the United States Navy. His time in the Navy was spent hunting German submarines in the English Channel as an ensign.” That’s a solid part of a bio. I suppose another part of his bio could include his 1947 Heisman Trophy and that he won the National Championship 3 times.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish v Purdue Boilermakers — WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 11: Quarterback Johnny Lujack #32 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball during a game agaist the Purdue Boilermakers on October 11, 1947 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Fighting Irish defeated the Boilermakers 22-7.

Fighting John

In 2012 linebacker Manti Te’o became the most decorated defensive player in college football history after helping to lead the Irish to an undefeated regular season. He ultimately placed 2nd in the Heisman as John Manziel took the trophy home to College Station. The power of the John and bias by voters against defensive players was obvious.

2012 Heisman Trophy Presentation — NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 08: (L-R) Heisman finalists quarterback Collin Klein of the Kansas State Wildcats, quarterback Johnny Manziel of the Texas A&M University Aggies and linebacker Manti Te’o of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish pose with the Heisman Memorial Trophy Award after a press conference prior to the 78th Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis on December 8, 2012 in New York City.

Troy Strikes Again

Not only did Brady Quinn lose soundly to the boys from Troy during the season, but he also lost the Heisman to Troy Smith — who lost to in the Fiesta Bowl the year prior. Quinn finished 3rd in the 2006 voting (and 4th in the 2005 voting). We have been accused of “BQ hate” on the OFD podcast, bit that couldn’t be further from the truth. Love ya BQ!

NCAA Football - 72nd Annual Heisman Trophy Presentation — Heisman finalists Brady Quinn of Notre Dame, Troy Smith of Ohio State and Darren McFadden of Arkansas during the official presentation ceremonies for the 72nd Heisman Trophy at the Nokia Theater in New York on Saturday night December 9, 2006.

Five old Notre Dame Football photos on a Friday — Heisman things

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