Jim Hart
St. Louis Cardinals
Jim
Hart graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1966. He was ignored
by NFL draft because he played at a small school that won only 8 games
in his three seasons. The St. Louis Cardinals signed him as a free agent
in 1966 and he became the team's starting quarterback the following
season when Charlie Johnson was drafted into the Army.
As the starter for the Cardinals from 1966 through 1981, Hart guided the
Cardinals to 3 straight 10+ win seasons 1974-'76 along with back to back
division crowns in 1974 & '75. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl four
times 1974-'77. In 1974, he guided the Cardinals to the Eastern Division
championship, completing 200 of 388 passes for 2,411 yards and 20
touchdowns. He was named the NFC Player of the Year by UPI , All-NFC and
2nd team All-Pro at the conclusion of the 1974 season
Hart lost the starting job in 1981 and was released by the Cardinals
after the 1983 season. He played one more season with the Washington
Redskins and then retired. In his 19 professional seasons, he completed
2,593 passes in 5,076 attempts for 34,665 yards and 209 touchdowns. He
also ran for 16 touchdowns.
