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Kansas Football: The 10 greatest Jayhawks of all-time

By Cade Stout

Nov 23, 2018; Lawrence, KS, USA; A detailed view Kansas Jayhawks helmets in the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2018; Lawrence, KS, USA; A detailed view Kansas Jayhawks helmets in the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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#2: John Hadl, QB/RB/DB (1959-61)

Oct 3, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; A statue of former Kansas Jayhawks quarterback John Hadl (21) is unveiled during halftime of the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; A statue of former Kansas Jayhawks quarterback John Hadl (21) is unveiled during halftime of the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

In his career, Lawrence, Kansas native John Hadl was a great quarterback and running back for Kansas Football, leaving a remarkable legacy at KU.

Hadl was named an All-American at quarterback in 1960 and 1961, the first Jayhawk to receive that acclaim twice. He was  First-Team All-Big 8 as a running back in 1959 and a quarterback in 1960 and 1961.

Hadl was a successful punter and defensive back, leading the nation in average yards per punt in 1959. He holds the school record for the longest punt, 94 yards, and had the longest interception return in school history until Aqib Talib broke it in 2007.

John Hadl’s #21 is retired by KU, he is featured in the KU’s Ring of Honor, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

#1: Gale Sayers, RB (1962-64)

Oct 3, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; A statue of former Kansas Jayhawks running back Gale Sayers (48) is unveiled during halftime of the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; A statue of former Kansas Jayhawks running back Gale Sayers (48) is unveiled during halftime of the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Gale Sayers, known as the “Kansas Comet,” is one of Kansas’ most successful athletes of all time and one of football’s greatest ever running backs.

Sayers rushed for 2,675 yards in his career and set the Big 8 all-purpose yards record with 3,917, scoring 20 career touchdowns.

Gale was a consensus All-American in 1963 and 1964 and First-Team All-Big 8 in 1962, 1963, and 1964. Sayers led the conference in rushing in all three of his seasons.

Gale’s #48 is retired, he’s a member of the Ring of Honor, and he is inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

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