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

A bunch of Johns

University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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.
Photo by Notre Dame/Collegiate Images via Getty Images

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.

Johnny Lattner Holding Heisman Trophy
Johnny Lattner Holding Heisman Trophy

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.

John Huarte
Former Notre Dame quarterback John Huarte holds his just-signed AFL Jet contract as he’s flanked by beaming Jet President Sonny Werblin (left) and coach Weeb Ewbank at Toots Shor’s yesterday. The Heisman Trophy winner reportedly signed for $200,000, second only to Joe Namath’s $400,000 contract.
Photo By: Frank Hurley/NY Daily News via Getty Images

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.
Photo by Collegiate Images via Getty Images

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.
Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

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.
Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images