(Photo: Notre Dame Athletics)
Notre Dame has had its share of multisport stars over the years. Among them: George Gipp (football and baseball), Moose Krause (football and basketball), Johnny Lujack (football, baseball, basketball and track), Bob Golic (wrestling, football), Rocket Ismail (Football, and track), and Jeff Samardzija (Football and baseball). Currently two football players are also playing other sports, Jordan Faison (lacrosse) and Drayk Bowen (baseball).
One athlete who belongs right near the top of the multisport stars in Notre Dame football history is Kevin Hardy, who passed away this week at the age of 78. Hardy was an All-American defensive tackle in 1966 and 1967 who lined up next to other ND greats including Alan Page and Mike McCoy. According to The Notre Dame Football Encyclopedia, OJ Simpson credited Hardy with the hardest tackle he ever experienced.
Besides football, Hardy also played a key role on the ND basketball team that advanced to the NCAA tournament and was a starting right fielder on the baseball team. He led the 1967 ND team with .398 batting average. Hardy lettered in all three sports.
Hardy was chosen by the New Orleans saints in the first round (7th overall) of the 1968 NFL Draft. He went on to a five season pro career and appeared for the 49ers, Packers and Chargers.