By Darin Before he became a passing legend in the pros, John Hadl was busy rewriting the definition of “versatility” at the University of Kansas. Imagine a player so gifted that he earned All-American honors at two different positions in back-to-back years, all while leading the nation in punting and returning kicks for nearly the length of the field. Hadl wasn’t just a player for the Jayhawks; he was a human highlight reel that forced opposing coaches to hold their breath every time he touched the ball. Explore the collegiate journey of the man who mastered the art of the 90-yard play.
Football Bio
February 15, 1940 – Lawrence, Kansas – John Hadl, the outstanding halfback/quarterback who played for the University of Kansas from 1959 to 1961, was born. The NFF’s online bio of Hadl states that he returned a 98-yard interception against TCU, a 97-yard kickoff against Syracuse, and a 94-yard punt against Oklahoma. His punting average for the season, 45.6 yards, led the nation. He played halfback in 1960 and was voted an All-American at the position, then moved to quarterback in 1961 and made All-America again! John Hadl was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
Conclusion
John Hadl’s career at Kansas remains one of the most unique in the history of college football. To find a player with the arm to lead an offense, the speed to return kicks for touchdowns, and the leg to lead the nation in punting is nearly impossible in the modern era. His transition from an All-American halfback to an All-American quarterback in a single off-season cemented his status as a legendary athlete. When he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994, it served as a permanent reminder of a time when the best player on the field truly did it all.
Accolades & Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1994.
- 2× First-Team All-American: (1960 as a Halfback, 1961 as a Quarterback).
- 3× All-Big Eight Conference Selection: (1959, 1960, 1961).
- NCAA Punting Leader: Averaged 45.6 yards per punt (1959).
- School Record Holder: Most career punt return yards (616) and highest career punting average (40.4) at KU.
- Versatility Milestone: First player in Kansas history to be a two-time All-American at two different positions.
- Bluebonnet Bowl MVP: Led Kansas to a 33-7 victory over Rice (1961).
- University of Kansas No. 21 Retired: One of only three numbers retired by the Jayhawks.
