Former Bears Player John Lujack Reflects on Career and Controversy
John Lujack, a former player for the Chicago Bears, recently opened up about his time with the team and his decision to leave professional football. Lujack, who played for the Bears from 1948 to 1951, shared his frustrations with team owner and coach George Halas, as well as his reasons for ultimately ending his pro career.
Lujack, whose four-year contract with the Bears had expired, expressed his desire to be traded. In addition to the physical toll of playing football, Lujack revealed that he had long been angry with Halas. He recalled discovering that Halas had altered the salary figures in his contract, reducing the total by $1,500. However, Halas quickly rectified the situation after Lujack brought it to his attention.
In an interview for Jeff Davis’ biography on Halas titled “Papa Bear” (2005), Lujack shared his perspective on the ordeal. “I don’t mind anybody being a hard negotiator,” he said. “I just don’t want to be cheated because of my inexperience.”
Following his time with the Bears, Lujack was offered a coaching position at Notre Dame by head coach Frank Leahy for the 1952 season. Lujack accepted the job, putting an end to his professional playing career. However, when Leahy retired and Terry Brennan took over as head coach in 1954, Lujack chose to leave Notre Dame and run a family auto dealership in Iowa. He later became a network broadcast analyst for college and professional football.
Details about Lujack’s survivors and whereabouts in Florida at the time of his death were not immediately available.
Throughout the years, Lujack remained a revered figure at Notre Dame. He continued to be involved with the university and its football program, even representing Notre Dame as a good-will ambassador during the 2012 game against Navy in Dublin.
Lujack’s achievements on the football field left a lasting impact. Beano Cook, ESPN’s longtime college football analyst, once hailed him as one of the greatest winners of the 1940s. “But even Roosevelt won only two elections in the 1940s, while Lujack won three national titles,” Cook remarked.
Lujack’s reflections provide a glimpse into the challenges and controversies he faced during his career in professional football. His dedication to the sport and his contributions to Notre Dame’s legacy will be remembered for years to come.