Hart was a pioneer for NFL player benefits, risking his pro career and initiating union talks targeting support for a reasonable standard of living for all players during the 1954 season, well before the eventual formulation of the NFLPA. He also spearheaded an initiative for the inclusion of players who retired prior to the 1959 season in the NFL pension plan.
Hart attended the University of Notre Dame where he played college football at the end position, both offense and defense, for Frank Leahy's Fighting Irish football teams from 1946 to 1949. He received first-team All-American honors three times, from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) in 1947 and as a consensus first-team selection in 1948 and 1949. During his four years at Notre Dame, Hart caught 49 passes for 701 yards and 15 touchdowns, at that time a collegiate record.[3] The Fighting Irish compiled a 46–0–2 record and won three national championships while Hart was a player.
Leon Hart, circa 1953.
Hart began playing for Notre Dame as a 17-year-old freshman in 1946.[2][4]
Hart graduated from Notre Dame in 1950 with a degree in mechanical engineering.[6]
Professional career
Hart was selected by the Detroit Lions with the first overall pick in the 1950 NFL draft.[1] He signed a three-year contract with the Lions in February 1950 for a salary reported to be close to $20,000.[3] He played for the Lions from 1950 to 1957, appeared in 92 games, and was a member of NFL championship teams in 1952, 1953, and 1957. During his eight-year NFL career, Hart gained 3,111 yards from scrimmage, caught 174 passes for 2,499 yards, and scored 32 touchdowns and 192 points.[1]
Family and later life
In February 1950, Hart married Lois Newyahr, his high school girlfriend, at St. Colman's Roman Catholic Church in Turtle Creek.[7] After retiring from football, he lived in Birmingham, Michigan. He operated a business that manufactured equipment to balance tires.[8]
