Paul Hornung

The Golden Boy of Titletown

Few players in football history embodied versatility, star power, and championship success like Paul Hornung. Known as “The Golden Boy,” Hornung was one of the most dynamic and influential players of his era. A Heisman Trophy winner, four-time NFL champion, league MVP, and Pro Football Hall of Famer, he played a pivotal role in Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers dynasty of the 1960s.

Whether it was running the ball, throwing passes, kicking field goals, or delivering clutch performances in championship games, Hornung was a true do-it-all weapon. His combination of charisma, talent, and toughness made him one of the biggest stars in NFL history, and his impact on the game still resonates today.

The Numbers Behind Hornung’s Greatness

Four-time NFL Champion (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966)
Heisman Trophy Winner (1956) – The only player from a losing team to ever win the award
NFL MVP (1961)
Two-time First-Team All-Pro (1960, 1961)
Two-time Pro Bowler (1959, 1960)
Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1986)
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
Packers Hall of Fame Inductee
Led the NFL in scoring for three straight seasons (1959-1961)
176 points in 1960 – An NFL record that stood for nearly 50 years

Hornung was one of the most unique superstars in football history, blending versatility, power, and leadership to become the ultimate weapon in Vince Lombardi’s legendary offense.

Notre Dame’s Golden Boy – A College Football Icon

Before becoming a legend in Green Bay, Hornung was a star at Notre Dame, where he played quarterback, halfback, fullback, safety, and kicker.

In 1956, despite playing on a losing team (2-8 record), he won the Heisman Trophy, making him the only player in history to win the award for a team with a losing record.
Hornung was a one-man show for the Fighting Irish, leading the team in passing, rushing, scoring, total offense, kickoff returns, and punting.
His athleticism, football IQ, and leadership made him the most coveted prospect in the 1957 NFL Draft, where he was selected first overall by the Green Bay Packers.

Though he was drafted as a quarterback, Lombardi saw his true potential as a halfback, making him the focal point of the Packers’ offense.

Becoming the Heart of the Packers Dynasty

By the time Vince Lombardi took over as Green Bay’s head coach in 1959, the Packers were struggling. Hornung, however, was about to become the most important player in football’s greatest dynasty.

Lombardi built his offense around Hornung, making him the perfect fit for the famous "Power Sweep"—a play where Hornung’s speed and vision allowed him to dominate the edge.
He was one of the best short-yardage runners of his time, using his toughness and agility to find the end zone.
Unlike most running backs, Hornung also threw passes, kicked field goals, and played multiple positions, making him a one-of-a-kind offensive weapon.
In 1960, he set an NFL record with 176 points, a mark that stood until 2006.

From 1959 to 1962, Hornung was the most valuable offensive player in football, leading the Packers to back-to-back championships in 1961 and 1962.

The 1961 MVP Season – Hornung at His Peak

Hornung’s greatest season came in 1961, when he put together one of the most dominant all-around performances in NFL history:

Led the league in scoring (146 points)
Rushed for 597 yards and 8 touchdowns
Passed for 2 touchdowns
Kicked 15 field goals and 41 extra points
Named NFL MVP
Led the Packers to the NFL Championship, scoring a record 19 points in the title game

His championship game performance remains one of the greatest in NFL history, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways made him invaluable to Green Bay’s success.

Hornung’s Resilience – Overcoming Controversy and Injury

Despite his success, Hornung’s career faced two major setbacks:

Gambling Scandal (1963):
- In 1963, Hornung was suspended for the entire season due to betting on football games, a ruling that also affected Alex Karras.
- His suspension could have derailed his career, but Lombardi and NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle reinstated him in 1964, allowing him to return to the Packers.
Injuries and Decline (1965-1966):
- Hornung’s body began to break down after years of taking punishment.
- He missed most of the 1965 season due to injuries, but returned just in time to score five touchdowns in a single game against the Colts, helping the Packers win another championship.
- In 1966, he played in only nine games and did not play in Super Bowl I, leading to his retirement.

Defining Moments of Hornung’s Career

Winning the 1956 Heisman Trophy: The only player to win it for a losing team.
Setting the single-season scoring record in 1960: 176 points, a record that lasted for decades.
1961 NFL Championship MVP: Scored 19 points, leading the Packers to their first title under Lombardi.
Five-Touchdown Game in 1965: One of the greatest single-game performances in NFL history.
Part of four NFL Championship teams: Helped lay the foundation for the Packers dynasty.

The Most Iconic Paul Hornung Football Cards

For collectors, Hornung’s vintage football cards are some of the most valuable and sought-after:

1957 Topps #151 Paul Hornung Rookie Card – His most iconic card and one of the most important cards of the 1950s.
1961 Topps #40 Paul Hornung – A great card from his MVP season.
1966 Philadelphia #31 Paul Hornung – One of his last cards as a Packer.

These cards remain key pieces in football card history, reflecting his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Beyond the Field – A Lasting Legacy

Even after retiring, Hornung remained one of football’s most recognizable personalities:

He became a broadcaster, sharing his football knowledge with fans.
He was an advocate for Heisman winners, helping promote the importance of college football history.
In 1986, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, securing his place among the legends of the game.

Hornung’s legacy as a playmaker, leader, and entertainer ensured that he would be remembered as one of football’s most impactful figures.

The Legacy of Paul Hornung – The Ultimate Playmaker

Hornung wasn’t just a great player—he was one of the most unique and versatile stars in NFL history.

A rushing and passing threat who could also kick and score from anywhere on the field.
A four-time NFL Champion who helped build the Packers’ dynasty.
A record-setting scorer who changed the way offenses used multi-position players.

His ability to change games in multiple ways, combined with his charisma and championship success, made him one of the most unforgettable players of all time.

A Legend Who Defined an Era

Paul Hornung’s style, swagger, and dominance made him a true legend of the game. His impact on the Green Bay Packers dynasty, along with his record-breaking versatility, ensures that he will always be remembered as one of the greatest playmakers in NFL history.