John Hadl, who played 16 seasons in the American Football League and NFL after starring at the University of Kansas, died Wednesday, November 30 2022, according to the school. He was 82.
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“John Hadl had a generational impact on Kansas Football, the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community,” athletics director Travis Goff said in a statement.
“He was a once-in-a-lifetime Jayhawk student-athlete, a coach and mentor, a prolific fundraiser … and the ultimate ambassador for KU. In short, our University and athletic program has been transformed by John and his legacy will forever be cemented. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the Hadl family.”
“We will deeply miss John and his contagious smile but will proudly honor him and his unrivaled legacy as we move forward.”
A true Lawrence legend forever.
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Hometown hero John Hadl has passed away at the age of 82.
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— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) November 30, 2022
Hadl ranked first in the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set Jayhawks records for longest punt (94 yards) and longest interception return (94 yards) (98 yards).
Hadl returned to the Jayhawks as an assistant head coach and offensive coordinator after retiring. In the 1980s, he also coached in the NFL and USFL. For 30 years, Hadl was a driving force behind fundraising efforts to build and renovate Kansas athletic facilities.
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