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Johnny Lattner

Halfback

Inducted 1979

Date of Birth

10/24/1932

Birthplace

Chicago, IL

School

University of Notre Dame (1951-1953)

Bio

Johnny Lattner, 6-1, 190-pound halfback from Notre Dame, can claim more offensive and defensive school records than almost anyone else. As a sophomore halfback, Lattner led the team in minutes played. In 1953, Lattner carried the ball 24 times for a 4.1 rushing average, caught two passes for 42 yards and intercepted a pass in a 28-21 victory against Oklahoma. He also punted nine times that afternoon, compiling a 38-yard average. After the game he modestly stated, "It was everybody's game, the whole team made it possible." In 1951, his sophomore year, he saved the Irish from defeat at the hands of Iowa. Notre Dame trailed, 20-13, with less than a minute and a half to go. It was fourth-and-ten on Notre Dame's 22-yard line, but instead of punting, Lattner threw his first college pass, a 23-yard completion. With 45 seconds left, Lattner raced 55 yards to the goal line, scoring the touchdown that helped Notre Dame to a 20-20 tie. Lattner won the Heisman Trophy in 1953 after placing fifth in 1952, and was a two-time unanimous All-America selection. He also won the Maxwell Award and four regional awards.