Packers Hall-of-Famer and Notre Dame legend Paul Hornung dies at 84

Paul Hornung has passed away at 84 years old.

Three different Hall-of-Fame members of Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers have been taken from us in 2020, as Herb Adderley, Willie Wood and Willie Davis have all passed away. Joining his teammates is halfback Paul Hornung, who was battling dementia.

The Louisville Sports Commission has confirmed that Hornung, remembered for his legendary career in both college and the pros, passed away at 84.

Paul Hornung was one of the most recognizable football players of the 1960s

Even though Hornung’s final season was spent as the quarterback of a 2-8 Notre Dame team, he won the Heisman Trophy after leading the team in passing, rushing, scoring and punting while coming in second in interceptions. After two subpar seasons with the Packers to start his career, Hornung became a Hall-of-Famer when Lombardi was named coach and converted him to left halfback.

Hornung and fellow Hall-of-Famer Jim Taylor helped make Lombardi’s famed ground game, led by the famous “Packer Sweep” toss play, the bedrock for a team that would win five championships in Hornung’s final eight seasons. While his stats look ordinary, as he only had 5,191 yards from scrimmage in his career and never ran for 700 yards, his impact on the Packers can’t be understated.

Hornung was a two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro that won MVP in 1960 after leading the league in touchdowns. Serving as the team’s kicker and an occasional receiver as well, Hornung’s versatility and elite play at several positions made him one of Lombardi’s best offensive players.

While Hornung’s post-football military career and solid work in the broadcast booth will draw him even more praise, No. 5 will always be remembered as “The Golden Boy,” one of the greatest Golden Domers who ever laced up their cleats and an important member of the greatest dynasty in football history.