Hailing from Lawernce, Kansas, John Willard Hadl might have been somewhat undersized at quarterback standing at 6'1, but he's been able to create quite the legacy for himself as an elite passer and athlete in pro-football. Prior to his AFL/NFL career, John Hadl played his collegiate football in his home state at the University of Kansas where he not only played quarterback, he played halfback and defense back as well. In 1960, Hadl was named All-American for his performance as a running back and All-American the following year for his performance as a quarterback. Hadl led the Jayhawks to victory in the Bluebonnet Bowl in 1961 and won MVP in the College All-Star Game that same year.
John Hadl was selected 10th overall in the 1962 NFL Draft and 24th overall in the third round of the 1962 AFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers where he played from 1962 to 1972. In 1963, Hadl helped lead the Chargers to an AFL Championship and was named a 4x AFL All-Star and 2x NFL Pro Bowler throughout his sixteen-season pro-football career. In 1971, Hadl led the league in passing yards and touchdowns. Prior to retiring in 1978, John Hadl also played for teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and Houston Oilers.