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Green Bay Packers Legend, Hall-of-Famer Paul Hornung Dead at 84

College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung has died. Hornung, who has long struggled with dementia, was 84.

A Louisville native, Paul Hornung played football, basketball, and baseball at Bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget High School. Then he went to college at Notre Dame. Furthermore, he played quarterback and halfback for the Fighting Irish.

Paul Hornung’s Highly-Acclaimed NFL Career

The Green Bay Packers selected Hornung with the first overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft after his college career.

Hornung went onto play halfback for the Packers from 1957 to 1966. However, he missed the 1963 season after admitting to gambling on NFL games.

The Packers gave their tribute to the legend Friday afternoon:

Hornung played a vital role under legendary coach Vince Lombardi’s offense. Hornung was a runner in the sweep and option-pass offense. Additionally, he also handled some placekicking duties, leading Lombardi to refer to Hornung as one of the most versatile players in the NFL.

In Lombardi’s book “Vince Lombardi on Football” he mentioned Hornung as a major asset to the Packers’ franchise.

“Paul may have been the best all-around back ever to play football,” Lomabrdi wrote.

in 1961, Hornung earned NFL MVP honors. He also gained two first-team All-Pro selections. In addition to the honors, Hornung was part of the Packers team that won the first Super Bowl. However, Hornung did not play in the game due to a pinched nerve injury in his neck.

Hornung was arguably the most important player for Green Bay during the years 1960 to 1965. With the Packers, he won three NFL championship games and made four championship appearances. Hornung also won three NFL scoring titles during that five-year stretch.

Hornung retired with 3,711 rushing yards, 1,480 receiving yards, and 62 career touchdowns, Sports Illustrated cites. In 1986, the football star was voted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1975 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame promises to keep his memory and legacy alive, following his passing.