By Darin How does a player from a small school in Orono become a titan of the gridiron? For John Huard, the answer was written in the dirt of his very first game—a staggering 22-tackle performance that signaled the arrival of a defensive force. Huard didn’t just play for the University of Maine; he carried the Black Bears into the national spotlight, proving that elite talent knows no geographic boundaries. From the hallowed grounds of Alfond Stadium to the professional ranks of the NFL and CFL, this is the story of the linebacker who defined “Maine Tough” and became the state’s first-ever College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
Football Bio
March 9, 1944 – Waterville, Maine – The standout linebacker for the Black Bears of the University of Maine from 1964 to 1966, John Huard was born. John made his fellow statesmen proud when he helped the Black Bears earn their first-ever postseason berth.
The fans in Maine knew they had a special player right from the onset of his collegiate career, as he registered an amazing 22 tackles in his first game! The National Football Foundation states that John was a two-time First-Team All-America selection in the gridiron seasons of 1965 and 1966. Huard achieved the prestigious acclaim of becoming the first member of Alfond Stadium’s Ring of Honor, and Sports Illustrated named him as one of the top twenty athletes that came out of the State of Maine.
John Huard was further honored for his brilliant career when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014. After graduation, John was drafted by the Denver Broncos and played for the Broncos and the New Orleans Saints over four NFL seasons.
Conclusion
John Huard remains the ultimate symbol of football excellence in the state of Maine. His relentless tackling and leadership propelled the Black Bears to their historic 1965 Tangerine Bowl appearance and established a legacy that still resonates in Orono today. Beyond his playing days, Huard continued to impact the game as a championship-winning coach and a devoted advocate for the sport. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014 served as the final confirmation of what Maine fans knew all along: John Huard was a once-in-a-generation talent who played with a heart as big as the state he called home.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2014 (First Maine player ever selected).
- 2× First-Team Little All-American: 1965, 1966.
- University of Maine Ring of Honor: The inaugural inductee at Alfond Stadium (2003).
- Tangerine Bowl Participant: Led Maine to its first-ever postseason berth in 1965.
- 2× First-Team All-Yankee Conference: 1965, 1966.
- School Record Holder: Set marks for most tackles in a game (22), season, and longest interception return (95 yards).
- Sports Illustrated Recognition: Named one of the Top 20 Athletes from the State of Maine.
- NFL Career: Drafted in the 5th round (1967); played for the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints.
- CFL Excellence: Played for the Montreal Alouettes and later served as head coach of the Toronto Argonauts.
- Championship Coach: Led Acadia University to two Vanier Cup National Championships (1979, 1981).
