John Hadl, who starred at the University of Kansas and went on to play 16 seasons in the American Football League and NFL, died Wednesday, the school announced. He was 82. Let us see more details about John Hadl.
Who is John Hadl
Born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas, Hadl was an all-state football halfback and a baseball center fielder in high school. He stayed in his hometown to play college ball with the Jayhawks, setting records as a halfback, quarterback, and punter.
Hall led the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set Jayhawks records for longest punt (94 yards) and longest interception return (98 yards). The punt record still stands and the interception mark stood until 2007.
John Willard Hadl (February 15, 1940 – November 30, 2022) was an American professional football player who was a quarterback in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL) for sixteen seasons, with the San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and Houston Oilers.
He also served as a punter for five seasons. He was an AFL All-Star four times and was selected to two Pro Bowls. Hadl played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994. The statement did not say where he died or give the cause of his death.
Career Journey
Hall excelled in both sports at Lawrence High School, just a short drive from the University of Kansas campus, but he established his name playing football for the Jayhawks. As a sophomore, he established a record for the longest punt of 94 yards, which is still in use. He also owned the mark for the biggest interception return with a 98-yarder up until 2007.
Hadl helped Kansas win 14 games and five games in his final two seasons while playing quarterback and halfback. At the end of his career, the two-time All-American led the Jayhawks to their first bowl victory over Rice in the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.
“Upon my arrival, I immediately heard from individuals all over the state about John’s contribution to our department, not just as a student-athlete and coach but also as someone who devoted nearly 40 years of his life to the University of Kansas, according to current Kansas coach Lance Leipold. I could relate to his drive to improve KU and make it as unique as possible.”
Hadl was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the AFL draught at number 24 overall and by the Detroit Lions at number 10 overall in the 1962 NFL draught, where he ultimately decided to pursue his career. Hadl would spend 11 seasons with the Chargers, taking them to three AFL title games before the merger with the NFL, before finishing his career with the Packers, Rams, and Oilers.
Over the course of two seasons (1974 and 1975), Hadl started 19 games for the Packers. In seven games, he had a 7-12 record. Hadl made a comeback to Kansas as an assistant after retiring in 1977, helping the Jayhawks win the 1981 Hall of Fame Bowl. Before moving back to Kansas in 1988, he coached for the Los Angeles Express, the Denver Broncos, and the Rams of the USFL. For the next 30 years, he worked tirelessly to raise money for the Williams Education Fund.
Cause of Death
The university, where Hadl returned after his playing days as a coach and fundraiser, announced his death in a statement, citing his family. No cause was given. The statement did not say where he died or give the cause of his death.
Tributes
To be the head coach of this program,” Leipold said, “and seeing his statue every day outside Anderson Family Football Complex is a firm reminder of the passion and love that John had for this program. Kelly and I send our condolences to the Hadl family and his loved ones.”
John Hadl, who had a generational impact on Kansas Football before going to the NFL, dies at 82.https://t.co/63mZ2ypsGa
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) November 30, 2022
Keep Reading,
How did Mike Addesa die? Former RPI Hockey Coach cause of death explained
How did Sir Murray Halberg die? New Zealand Olympic great cause of death explained
Follow us on Twitter for more updates.