KU Football: Top Ten Quarterbacks All-Time

Best quarterbacks in Kansas football history: 2. John Hadl

In 1959, the Kansas Jayhawks had a running back by the name of John Hadl. By the next season, he was KU’s starting quarterback, tossing for 1,345 yards in two seasons with 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

He was one of the few quarterbacks for this school to lead them to successful seasons.

Hadl’s stats won’t blow anybody out of the water, but the guy turned heads during his tenure as a Jayhawk. He was seventh in Heisman Trophy voting in 1961 (his final year at KU) and was a first round draft pick in the NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions (and third round in the AFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers).

Hadl lit it up as rusher, even when he was named quarterback. He finished his career with over 1,000 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. He also had a receiving touchdown during the 1959 season.

The Jayhawks went 5-5 in that 59 season, but Hadl was able to lead them to two consecutive winning seasons in 1960 and 1961. The 1961 season actually saw the Jayhawks earning a trip to the Bluebonnet Bowl, where they blew out their opponent 33-7.

John Hadl sits at second all-time for the Jayhawks because he was one of the few quarterbacks for this school to lead them to successful seasons.

Just who is it that was better than him? The answer probably won’t surprise you.

Next: Number 1