Member Biography

Johnny Lattner, 6-1, 190-pound halfback from Notre Dame, can claim more offensive and defensive records than anyone else during his career . As a sophomore halfback, Lattner led the team in minutes played. In 1953, Lattner carried the ball 24 times for a 4.1 rushing average, caught 2 passes for 42 yards and intercepted a pass in a 28-21 victory against Oklahoma. He also punted nine times that afternoon, compiling a 38-yard average. After the game he modestly stated, "It was everybody's game, the whole team made it possible." In 1951, his sophomore year, he saved the Irish from defeat at the hands of Iowa. Notre Dame trailed, 20-13, with less than a minute and a half to go. It was fourth-and-ten on Notre Dame's 22-yard line, but instead of punting, Lattner threw his first college pass, a 23-yard completion. With 45 seconds left, Lattner raced 55 yards to the goal line, scoring the touchdown that helped Notre Dame to a 20-20 tie. Lattner won the Heisman Trophy in 1953 and was a two-time All- America selection. He also won the Maxwell Award and four regional awards.