In the annals of NFL history, some names shine brighter than others. But often, the most captivating stories belong to those who defied expectations and carved their own path to greatness. Jim Hart, the unassuming quarterback from Southern Illinois University, embodies this spirit. Overlooked in the 1966 draft, Hart's unwavering determination and exceptional talent propelled him to a remarkable 18-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he cemented his legacy as a franchise icon.
James Warren Hart was born on April 29, 1944 in Evanston, Illinois. His childhood was spent in the suburbs of Chicago. In school, Jim played baseball, basketball, and football. Southern Illinois University gave him an athletic scholarship, and Hart played on their team from 1963 to 1965.
In the 1966 draft, Hart was not selected by any of the teams. He entered the NFL thanks to Don Shroyer, who coached him in college. It was Schroyer, formerly an assistant with the Cardinals, who arranged for Jim to see him on a team. He handled the assignment and got a contract. As part of the St. Louis Cardinals team, Hart made his debut in the final game of the season, gaining only 29 yards, but from the beginning of 1967 he took over as the starter. He remained a member of the Cardinals for eighteen seasons. The most successful part of his career occurred in the second half of the 1970s, when Jim received an invitation to Pro Bowl for four consecutive seasons.
In total, he appeared in 199 games for the team, throwing for 34,639 yards and 209 touchdowns. His last season in the league was the 1984 season, where Hart played two games for the Indians.
After ending his 30-year career, he and his former partner, Dan Deardorff, worked in the restaurant business. Jim also commented on football on the radio, and from 1989 to 1999 he was athletic director in his hometown of Southern Illinois.
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