By Darin How does a quarterback go from nearly being cut to holding the Heisman Trophy in just twelve months? The story of John Huarte is perhaps the greatest “zero-to-hero” transformation in the history of Notre Dame football. After languishing on the bench for two seasons, Huarte was the spark that ignited the Ara Parseghian era in South Bend. In a single season of brilliance, he dismantled the Irish record books and led a “Resurrection” of the program, returning Notre Dame to the pinnacle of the sport. This is the story of the man who proved that all a legend needs is a chance.
Football Bio
April 6, 1944 – Notre Dame’s quarterback of the 1962 to 1964 era, John Huarte, celebrated his date of birth. Huarte has an amazing collegiate story.
His sophomore season was somewhat unmemorable and injury-plagued, so he was used sparingly the next season in 1963. Then, in 1964, his football fortunes changed according to the Football Foundation. Irish first-year head coach Ara Parseghian named Huarte the starting quarterback for the 1964 season. Parseghian’s trust in Huarte paid huge dividends, as Huarte broke virtually every Notre Dame single-season passing record, won the Heisman Trophy, and led the Irish to a 9-1 record.
John Huarte’s collegiate football accomplishments and records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2005. John ended up becoming a 2nd round pick by the AFL’s New York Jets in 1965. Huarte stayed in the Pros as a backup quarterback with Boston, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Kansas City, and Chicago from 1965-72.
Conclusion
John Huarte’s 1964 season remains a masterclass in perseverance. By throwing for 2,062 yards and 16 touchdowns—staggering numbers for that era—he didn’t just win a trophy; he saved a dynasty. Under the guidance of Ara Parseghian, Huarte transformed the Irish from a struggling 2-7 team into a 9-1 juggernaut that came within minutes of a national title. While his professional career saw him travel across the AFL and NFL, his legacy in South Bend is immortal. He remains one of the few players to win the Heisman after starting the season as a virtual unknown, securing his place in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Heisman Trophy Winner: 1964 (Notre Dame’s sixth recipient).
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2005.
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1964.
- UPI Player of the Year: 1964.
- The Sporting News Player of the Year: 1964.
- Notre Dame Single-Season Passing Records: Set records for yards (2,062) and completions (114) in 1964.
- AFL 2nd Round Pick: Selected by the New York Jets in 1965.
- NFL 6th Round Pick: Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1965 (Signed with the AFL).
- Super Bowl IV Champion: Member of the Kansas City Chiefs roster.
- California High School Legend: Led Mater Dei High School to a state title before arriving at Notre Dame.
