John Hadl

John Hadl carved out a legend during his football career and easily represents one of the greatest all-around performers in Kansas history. The Jayhawks' first two-time All-America selection, Hadl excelled in the Jayhawk offense as a quarterback and part-time halfback. He was also a highly effective defensive back, return specialist and one of the nation's top punters during his three-year career. His jersey No. 21 is one of just three retired in Kansas football history. A three-time all-conference selection, Hadl ended his career with 1,281 yards passing and 1,016 yards rushing. He still holds the school record for longest interception return (98 yards vs. TCU in 1959) and longest punt (94 yards vs. Oklahoma in 1959, third longest in NCAA history). Hadl, who led the nation in punting in 1959 with a 45.6 average, was a standout on some of KU's great teams. The Jayhawks were a combined 14-5-2 his junior and senior seasons with Hadl at the controls and ranked nationally in the top 20 each season. He concluded his senior season by leading KU to a 33-7 win over Rice in the Bluebonnet Bowl. Hadl was named most valuable player in the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star Game. Hadl enjoyed a 16-year career in the NFL, passing for 33,513 yards. He was recognized as the NFL Man of the Year in 1971 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994. Following a successful career in coaching, Hadl moved into administration and served as associate athletics director at his alma mater.