Luke Higgins
Number31
PositionGuard
Birth dateMay 3, 1921
Birth placeEdgewater, New Jersey, U.S.
Death dateOctober 11, 1991 (aged 70)
Death placeLargo, Florida, U.S.
Height6 ft
Height in0
Weight lb210
High schoolCliffside Park
(Cliffside Park, New Jersey)
CollegeNotre Dame (1941–1942, 1946)
Draftyear1945
Draftround23
Draftpick235
Pastteams
Highlights
StatleagueAAFC
Statlabel 1Games played
Statvalue 111
PfrH/HiggLu20

Luke Martin Higgins (May 3, 1921 – October 11, 1991) was an American professional football guard who played one season with the Baltimore Colts of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He played college football at the University of Notre Dame.

Early life

Luke Martin Higgins was born on May 3, 1921, in Edgewater, New Jersey.[1] He attended Cliffside Park High School in Cliffside Park, New Jersey.[2]

College and military career

Higgins played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the University of Notre Dame from 1941 to 1942.[2] His football career was interrupted by a stint in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.[2] He was awarded a Purple Heart after being seriously wounded in Italy in 1944.[3][4] Higgins returned to Notre Dame in 1946 and played for the football team that season.[5] The 1946 Fighting Irish were AP Poll national champions. Higgins also participated in the shot put during his time at Notre Dame.[6]

Professional career

Higgins was selected by the Cleveland Rams in the 23rd round, with the 235th overall pick, of the 1945 NFL draft.[1] He signed with the Baltimore Colts of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1947.[7] He played in 11 games for the Colts during the 1947 season.[1]

Personal life

Higgins died on October 11, 1991, in Largo, Florida.[1]

References

  1. ^ "Luke Higgins". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  2. ^ "Luke Higgins". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  3. ^ Somogyi, Lou (May 24, 2014). "God, Country, Notre Dame". notredame.247sports.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2015. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  4. ^ "Jim Costin says:". The South Bend Tribune. November 14, 1944. p. 4. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  5. ^ "Notre Dame". The Oklahoma Courier. September 21, 1946. p. 4. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  6. ^ "Spartan Track Team Defeats Irish, 78 to 44". Chicago Tribune. May 19, 1946. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  7. ^ "Luke Higgins Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved 10 April 2025.