Coloring Book Pages (pdf): Karpok Calling the Plays Jaypeg and the Coin Toss Zeero has No Favorites

Notre Dame was college football’s team of the decade in the 1940s, winning four national championships. Two New Jersey men led these great Fightin’ Irish teams. In 1943, Angelo Bertelli became the first Heisman Trophy winner from Notre Dame. The Heisman Trophy is awarded to college football’s top player. Bertelli, a Clifton resident for 48 years, was an All-American quarterback. He led Notre Dame to an undefeated season in 1941 and played on their 1943 national championship team.

Frank Tripucka quarterbacked three straight undefeated Notre Dame teams starting in 1946. An All-State selection at Bloomfield High School, the college All-American had an outstanding professional career as well. He was the first quarterback in Denver Broncos history. Tripucka still holds the Broncos’ record club record for single game passing yards at 477.

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