John Huard Officially Inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame
12/10/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
UMaine Dinner Celebration Photo Gallery | Hall of Fame Dinner Photos
ORONO, Maine -- Former University of Maine linebacker John Huard was officially inducted into the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame on Dec. 9, 2014 at the 57th annual National Football Foundation Awards Dinner held in New York City at the Waldorf Astoria.
Huard, a two-time first team All-American, guided Maine to the Tangerine Bowl in 1965. A two-time first team All-Yankee Conference selection, Huard recorded 22 tackles in his first game in 1964. Named one of the top 20 athletes in the history of the state of Maine by Sports Illustrated, Huard was the first football player inducted into the Maine Athletic Hall of Fame ('86), the first member of Alfond Stadium's Ring of Honor and the first ever Black Bear player to be bestowed in the College Football Hall of Fame.
"We are very excited and pleased for John Huard and his induction into the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame!," commented current UMaine head football coach Jack Cosgrove. "This award is one of the most significant awards in our game, and John is very deserving of the recognition. All of us associated with Maine "Black Bear" Football are proud of John and his incredible accomplishments throughout his life. Student, athlete, husband, father, coach or businessman, John has epitomized success! Congratulations!"
Huard was selected by the AFL's Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 1967 NFL Draft and went on to play four seasons in the NFL with the Broncos and the New Orleans Saints. Following his playing career in the professional ranks, Huard became the head coach at Acadia University where he led the Axemen to Canadian National Championships in 1979 and 1981. After his time at Acadia, Huard spent time as the head coach at Maine Maritime Academy before serving at the helm of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. Huard returned to the University of Maine as its offensive line coach in 1974-75.
Away from the field, Huard is an active member with the National Football Foundation's State of Maine Chapter as well as volunteering with both the Boys and Girls Club and the Susan Curtis Foundation. A Waterville, Maine native, Huard is currently the President of Northeast Turf, Hue, Inc., and serves as the Northeast representative for FieldTurf.
Click below to see photos from the Hall of Fame events:
UMaine Dinner Celebration Photo Gallery | Hall of Fame Dinner Photos
-U-M-
