The Greatest Players in Notre Dame Football History

The University of Notre Dame has won eleven (11) National titles and boasts seven (7) Heisman Trophy winners. The Fighting Irish team is rich in football history and traditions. Although it has not been as successful in recent years as in the past, it nevertheless remains one of the top collegiate teams in the country. The top three greatest players in Notre Dame football history are George Gipp, Paul Hornung and Johnny Lujack.

No. 3: George Gipp, RB, (1917 - 1920)

The first consensus All-American for Notre Dame was George Gipp. He set the standard for all future Notre Dame football players to come. He was the first truly great player for the Fighting Irish. Gipp did a little bit of everything, and did so successfully. He rushed for 1,556 yards in two seasons, averaging 7.5 yards per carry for his career. He also intercepted six (6) passes, averaged 40 yards per punt and had 20 PATs. Sadly, Gipp died of a throat infection in December 1920, just after his election as an All-American - but in tragedy, he became one of college football's true immortals thanks to his deathbed plea to head coach Knute Rockne to tell the team to "win just one for the Gipper."

No. 2: Paul Hornung, QB (1954 - 1956)

Notre Dame went 2 - 8 in 1956, yet Paul Hornung was still able to win the Heisman trophy. He still remains the only player to win the award on a losing team, a record that is very unlikely to be broken. He was another of the Irishmen who was a legendary all-around football player. Hornung kicked, punted, played defense, played fullback and most notably played quarterback. He capped a College Football Hall of Fame career by becoming the No. 1 overall selection in the 1957 NFL Draft and having a Hall of Fame professional career, as well.

No. 1: Johnny Lujack, QB, (1942 - 1943, 1946 - 1947)

Johnny Lujack remains the only quarterback in college history to win three National Championships, in 1943, 1946 and 1947, despite his career being interrupted by two years of military service during World War II. He was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 1947. That year, he led Notre Dame to a 9 - 0 record, completing 61 of 109 passes for 777 passing yards. Lujack was a two-time All-American who was almost as good on defense as he was on offense.

Johnny Lujack's impressive play allowed him to win three National Titles for the Irish: an accomplishment not many can dream to achieve in their playing career. Johnny Lujack is the greatest football player for the Notre Dame football team.