Pro Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung died at the age of 84, Louisville Sports Commission announced Friday. He died in his home in Louisville, Kentucky after a battle with dementia. The "Golden Boy" was a star for Notre Dame and the Green Bay Packers.
Hornung made history with Notre Dame, becoming the only player to win the Heisman Trophy while on a losing team, when he did so in 1956 with the 2-8 Fighting Irish. He lead the team in passing, rushing, scoring, kickoff returns, punt returns and punting, lead the team in passes broken up on defense and was second in tackles and interceptions.
The Kentucky-born player was also one of seven players to both win the Heisman Trophy and be named NFL MVP by The Associated Press, after he was taken No. 1 overall by Green Bay in the 1957 draft.
Upon hearing the news of his death, many football fans, players, coaches and teams mourned the loss and reflected on his incredible career.
Here are some of the reactions:
Hall of Famer and @packers legend Paul Hornung has passed away at the age of 84.
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 13, 2020
We will keep his legacy in the Game alive forever at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Read: https://t.co/OqJyp74UWH#HOFForever pic.twitter.com/6J8mtaXYkS
The entire Pro Football HOF family mourns the passing of Paul Hornung. He was an outstanding player and an incredible man. Known as "The Golden Boy," Paul was above all a leader to whom the Packers looked for the big plays in the big games.#HOFForever | @packers pic.twitter.com/DDYI6d04h2
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 13, 2020
Paul Hornung, described by Vince Lombardi as "the greatest player I ever coached," has passed away at age 84.
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 13, 2020
RIP, Golden Boy. https://t.co/jEFkgcGv9T
We mourn the loss of @NDFootball alumnus Paul Hornung and the impact the Heisman winner, 2x All-American, and College Football & NFL Hall of Famer, left.
— The Fighting Irish 😷 (@FightingIrish) November 13, 2020
We lift our prayers for Angela, his wife of 41 years, as we celebrate the life of the Golden Boy.
🔗 https://t.co/XlC791uNXA pic.twitter.com/JqXxJdkM0W
We mourn the passing of @ProFootballHOF HB and @packers legend Paul Hornung. pic.twitter.com/6AWzNGdUI8
— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2020
Statement from @NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the Passing of Legend Paul Hornung: https://t.co/2zUfbRIeI4 pic.twitter.com/VQNaGSXt9X
— NFL345 (@NFL345) November 13, 2020
BREAKING: Hall of Famer Paul Hornung dies at the age of 84
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) November 13, 2020
Reaction from @PriscoCBS 👇 pic.twitter.com/Fh7eMrMTP2
Today, we mourn the loss of Packers legend, NFL Hall of Famer, Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Famer and the Golden Boy
— Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame (@wihalloffame) November 13, 2020
RIP Paul Hornung 🙏💚💛 pic.twitter.com/heiQS0PFZe
It's with deep regret I write this, this morning we lost a great one, my Heisman and HOF brother Paul Hornung has transitioned to the next life. Thanks for all the conversations over the years and I promise to keep your legacy alive! #H2H
— Tim Brown (@81TimBrown) November 13, 2020
