Kevin Hardy, a two-time football All-American and three-sport monogram winner at the University of Notre Dame, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, in Northern California.
A defensive tackle with the Fighting Irish football team, Hardy was a key member of the 1966 National Championship team while also becoming the first student-athlete in 19 years to earn a monogram in three different sports. In 1964-65, Hardy was the first-team defensive tackle, played a key role as a reserve for the basketball team that advanced to the NCAA tournament and was the regular right fielder for the baseball team. Hardy led the 1967 Notre Dame baseball team with a .398 batting average.
Hardy did not play football varsity football in his first year at Notre Dame, as freshmen were ineligible to play until 1972. As a sophomore in 1964, Hardy posted 38 tackles and blocked two kicks. A back injury limited him in his junior season, but he was awarded an extra year of eligibility and piled up 79 tackles and broke up four passes for the 1966 national championship team to earn first-team All-America honors. He finished up in 1967 with 33 more tackles in a move to defensive end and was a first-round draft choice (seventh overall) by the New Orleans Saints in the 1968 NFL Draft.
Hardy did not play for the Saints, however, as he was moved to the San Francisco 49ers for compensation for a free agent signing. Hardy appeared for the 49ers, Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers during his professional career.
Hardy is survived by his son, Danny (daughter-in-law Julie Hardy), daughter Shannon Kuhl (son-in-law Chris Kuhl and grandson Kevin) and sisters Mary and Barbara.