Former Packers QB John Hadl dies at the age of 82

On3 imageby:Wade Peery11/30/22
Green Bay Packers James Robinson
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Former Green Bay Packers quarterback John Hadl passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 82 years old, the franchise announced in a press release. He played for Green Bay for roughly one-and-a-half years after being acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Rams. Hadl was considered one of the greatest players in Kansas Jayhawk football history. They announced his death, but did not give any cause or details.

While playing for Kansas, he became the first player in Jayhawk program history to be named an All-American twice (1960 and 1961). He earned All-American honors at halfback (1960) and quarterback (1961). Hadl’s No. 21 jersey is one of only three jerseys that are retired in Kansas football history. He still holds two records at the school: longest interception return–a 98-yard interception return against TCU. A dynamic special teams’ player, he also had the longest punt in program history–a 94-yarder he boomed against Oklahoma.

He played 16 years in the American Football League and then the NFL after the two leagues merged in 1970. Hadl was also named to a combined six AFL All-Star games and NFL Pro Bowls. The signal-caller was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions with the No. 10 overall pick in 1962. But he chose to sign with the San Diego Chargers, who drafted him in the third round (24th overall) in the AFL Draft.

Kansas men’s basketball head coach Bill Self took some time in his press conference on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the former KU great. “We got word this morning that we lost John. I don’t want to speak for others (but) I don’t know of anybody that was more of a Jayhawk or loved Kansas more than John Hadl,” Self said in an article written by Gary Bedore of The Kansas City Star.

Hadl and Self spoke several times when Self was deciding whether to leave Illinois after just three seasons. Hadl was the assistant athletic director for Kansas at the time.

“John grew up in Lawrence, so you know he loved KU growing up,” Self said of Hadl. “He came here as a student-athlete, had unbelievable success (as a KU quarterback in the early 1960s), had an unbelievable pro career, then as soon as he finishes his (16-years) pro career he wants to come back, give back to his school as (assistant football) coach and as a fundraiser.”

Hadl is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, but never made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, despite throwing for 33,503 yards, 244 touchdowns, and 268 interceptions. At the time of his retirement, he ranked third all-time in passing yards. Hadl never missed a start due to injury during his 16-year AFL/NFL career.

Self was impressed with how humble he was even though he had a prolific NFL career. He said Hadl “was the coolest dude that would never talk about how cool he was. He was cool because he never had to talk about himself or boast about himself and what he accomplished. The dude threw for about 40,000 yards in the NFL and AFL (primarily with San Diego Chargers). Guys are getting in the Hall of Fame without stats like he’s got,” the Kansas men’s basketball coach said.