Notre Dame Football: 10 best players in program history
Paul Hornung Career Statistics, 1954-1956
- Games Played: 39
- Completions: 110
- Pass Attempts: 233
- Passing Yards: 1,696
- Carries: 208
- Rushing Yards: 1,051
- Total Touchdowns: 15
- Interceptions: 10
- Interception Return Yards: 212
- Notables: 1956 Heisman Trophy, 1955 & 1956 First Team All-American
Before he was a key piece of Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers in the 1960’s, Paul Hornung was an all-around star for Terry Brennan and Notre Dame. One of the last true triple threat players, Hornung did virtually everything in his three-year career in South Bend. He passed for 1,696 yards and rushed for 1,696 for a cumulative total of 15 touchdowns. Hornung also recorded 10 career interceptions as a defensive back.
As a sophomore, Hornung saw most of his action as a defensive back, recording three interceptions in 1954. In the 1955 season, Hornung became a two-way star, passing for 743 yards, rushing for 472 yards and intercepting five passes. Hornung was the lone star for the Irish in 1956, passing for 917 yards, rushing for 420 yards and intercepting two passes. He also handled kicking and punting duties for Notre Dame, something he would continue to do in the NFL.
Despite having a 2-8 record his senior year, Hornung was awarded the Heisman Trophy under much scrutiny. He went on to be drafted by the Green Bay Packers and would play his entire ten-year career in Green Bay, winning four NFL Championships.