Hornung, Paul (1935-2020), was one of the greatest and most versatile players in American football history. Hornung was a brilliant all-around player, excelling as a rusher, passer, and kicker. In 1956, he won the Heisman Trophy as the outstanding college player of the year while playing for the University of Notre Dame. In 1960, he set a single-season scoring record for the National Football League (NFL) with 176 points—15 touchdowns, 15 field goals, and 41 extra points. LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers (now the Los Angeles Chargers) broke Hornung’s record when he scored 186 points in 2006.
Paul Vernon Hornung was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on Dec. 23, 1935. After starring in football in high school, he attended the University of Notre Dame from 1953 to 1957, where he played quarterback. In 1957, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers of the NFL and shifted to running back. He led the NFL in scoring in 1959, 1960, and 1961. Hornung was a key part of the Packer dynasty under coach Vince Lombardi that won NFL championships in 1961, 1962, 1965, and 1966. Hornung was suspended by the NFL for the 1963 season for gambling activities. He retired after the 1966 season. Hornung was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986. He died on Nov. 13, 2020.
