Our Client, Our Hero: NFL Legend Paul Hornung
Paul Hornung was known as the “Golden Boy” for three reasons: his golden hair, the golden dome of Notre Dame where he played football, and his skill on the field, leading to a Heisman Trophy in 1956 and landing him on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
We knew him as our client, as our friend, and as our hero.
His lawyers, Thomas Demetrio and Bill Gibbs, both attended Notre Dame and revered his accomplishments as an Irish football player. Our ND connection is strong, with Managing Partner Ken Lumb, Partner Michael Demetrio and Michael’s son Tom Demetrio, an associate attorney, also graduates.
In the NFL, Paul Hornung continued to excel --- as a Hall of Fame running back for the Green Bay Packers from 1957 to 1966.
Later in life, after a successful career in business, Mr. Hornung suffered symptoms of CTE including dementia after years of repetitive head trauma with a helmet that did not protect him even though the helmet manufacturer allegedly told him it would.
In 2016, Corboy & Demetrio filed a lawsuit for Hornung, alleging that the helmet manufacturer knew of the harmful long-term effects of brain traumas sustained by football players while wearing its supposedly protective equipment.
“It is my hope that this case shines a bright spotlight on the helmet industry to ensure that it works diligently to protect players from harm,” Paul Hornung said in statement issued when the lawsuit was filed.
Paul Hornung was a 3-time All Pro. He won three National Championships and a Superbowl ring.
He cared about the health of football players, from the pros to youth leagues, and wanted them to avoid brain injury.
He was a champion on and off the field, a hero, and a friend to all who were blessed to have met him.
May he rest in peace.