The NFL world suffered a great loss on Wednesday. Former San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Oilers, and Green Bay Packers quarterback John Hedl passed away. His death was announced by the University of Kansas. Hedl is considered one of the greatest players in the history of Kansas’ football program.
A true Lawrence legend forever.
Hometown hero John Hadl has passed away at the age of 82.
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— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) November 30, 2022
John Hadl Played for the Packers for a Year and a Half
The Green Bay Packers first acquired Hadl in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. At the time of the trade, Hadl was one of the most decorated quarterbacks in the NFL. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, one-time All-Pro, finished second in MVP voting in 1973, and won a championship in the AFL. Due to his reputation, the Packers had to trade five high draft picks to get him.
Unfortunately, Hadl did not enjoy the same success in Green Bay as he did in San Diego or Los Angeles. In 1975, his only full season with the Packers, Hadl threw for 2,095 yards while recording six touchdown passes and 21 interceptions. The Packers were 4-9 in his starts. After the season, head coach Bart Starr traded Hadl to the Oilers for Lynn Dickey.
Hadl ended his career two years later. He was the last quarterback to wear a uniform number greater than #19. For the majority of his career, he wore #21. However, while with the Packers, Hadl wore #12 for a bit.
John Hadl Spoke Highly of His Time in Green Bay
Even though his time in Green Bay was short, Hadl spoke highly of his time as the Packers quarterback. He especially was fond of Bart Starr. In a 2006 interview, Hadl said of Starr: “”He was truly one of those guys, what you see is what you get. I really have a lot of respect for him and his love for the Packers and just as a human being. He was a great guy.”
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