By Darin Wisconsin fans didn’t just cheer for Pat Harder; they demanded his relentless power with their iconic “Hit ’em again—Harder!” refrain. Harder stood as the physical centerpiece of the legendary “Three H’s” backfield, a triple-threat force who could run, block, and kick with devastating efficiency. From his scoring outburst against national champion Ohio State to his MVP performance against the NFL’s best, Harder defined the grit of the 1940s “Ironman” era. Whether charging through the Big Ten or serving his country in the Marines, he left a trail of broken tackles and championship trophies in his wake.
Football Bio
May 6, 1922 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Wisconsin Badgers fullback Pat Harder, who played from 1941 to 1942, was born.
The FootballFoundation.org reflects on the unique cheer that the Wisconsin faithful would yell in unison from the stands, “Hit ’em again – Harder! Harder! Harder!” In 1941, he led the Big Ten in rushing and scoring, and followed that up in 1942 with the Badgers going 8-1-1. Harder scored 17 points as the Badgers knocked off national champion Ohio State 17-7.
He was part of a backfield that included Jack Wink at quarterback and the “Three H’s” of Harder, Hoskins, and Hirsch. Pat Harder’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1993. Harder served in the Marines in World War II. Pat had another year of eligibility but passed it up and joined the pros after his discharge from service.
He was in two College All-Star games in 1943 and 1946. Harder earned the Most Valuable Player in 1943’s Chicago All-Star event in a 27-7 victory over the NFL Champion Redskins, as Pat scored two touchdowns and kicked three extra points.
Conclusion
Pat Harder dominates the history books as one of the most versatile scorers to ever step onto a football field. He anchored the “Million Dollar Backfield” in the pros, becoming the first player in NFL history to record three consecutive 100-point seasons. His transition from a collegiate powerhouse at Wisconsin to a three-time NFL champion cements his status as a legendary “winner” in every sense of the word. By maintaining his excellence as a top-tier NFL official for nearly two decades after his playing days, Harder proved that his football IQ and character were just as durable as his legendary stiff-arm.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1993.
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team: Recognized as one of the era’s premier fullbacks.
- 3× NFL Champion: 1947 (Chicago Cardinals), 1952, 1953 (Detroit Lions).
- UPI NFL Most Valuable Player: 1948.
- 3× NFL Scoring Leader: 1947, 1948, 1949 (The first to score 100+ points in three straight years).
- 2× NFL Pro Bowl Selection: 1950, 1952.
- First-Team All-American: 1942.
- Big Ten Rushing & Scoring Leader: 1941.
- Chicago College All-Star Game MVP: 1943 (Scored 15 of 27 points to beat the NFL’s Redskins).
- NFL Official (Umpire): Officiated from 1966–1982, including the “Immaculate Reception” game and an alternate for the “Ice Bowl.”
- Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1991.