Johnny Lattner

In the time before fame joined wealth in its exodus from contact with the hoi polloi, it was possible to bump into someone like Johnny Lattner, Notre Dame Class of ’53 and Heisman Trophy winner the same year.  Born on the West Side of Chicago, Lattner stayed close to his roots till the time of his death over the weekend at the age of 83.

A knee injury kept Lattner, a running back, from repeating his college success in the NFL.  If that resulted in any self-pity, Lattner kept it to himself while running a steakhouse before going to work for a graphic arts company.  To see Lattner in public was to see a man ever the athlete, proud but not arrogant, dignified yet accessible.

Lattner attended Fenwick High School in Oak Park, where we wanted Clare to go, but our daughter would have none of it.  She knew better than we what her life path should be.  But the choice she made meant no seeing the Heisman Trophy recipient cheering his alma mater at a Fenwick sporting event.  Still, we did occasionally see Lattner on a Sunday at Mass; Lattner was not too proud to attend the church in Forest Park across the street from Ferrara Pan candy factory; the aroma of Atomic Fireballs has a way of with the liturgy at St. Bernardine’s.  Come the handshake of peace, and you had a chance to shake hands with Johnny Lattner.

Therein lies a lesson for another Johnny and Heisman recipient.