Legendary Notre Dame battle against Irish standout and first-round NFL pick dies

Several elite passers have outlined the rich and storied history of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program.

Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown: “Rocket Ismail, Michael Floyd, Golden Tate, Will Fuller, Jeff Samardzija, Tom Gatewood, Tyler Eifert and Jim Seymour are just a few of the pass catchers who have contributed to the current “Blue Blood” status Note Lady. Another, more forgotten name, recently passed away.

Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish WR Tony Hunter has passed away

One notable pass catcher for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish that isn’t talked about as much as some others is Tony Hunter. Hunter died on June 11, 2024.

Hunter was 64 years old when he died. He was a first-team All-American for the Fighting Irish. Despite playing running back, wide receiver and tight end for Notre Dame, Hunter still managed to climb to the 14th most receiving yards in Notre Dame history.

Hunter also managed to move up to 16th all-time in receptions by Notre Dame players, even though he played in a much less pass-heavy era (1979-1982). Only three players who played before 1990 had more receiving yards than Hunter.

The Fighting Irish took to social media to mourn one of their program’s lesser-known legends.

We mourn the loss of Tony Hunter. We express our condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/0gaPZSxkq0

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) June 20, 2024

Tony Hunter’s NFL career was cut short

Despite showing promise early in his career, Hunter’s time as an NFL player was never what it could have been.

Hunter was selected No. 12 overall in the 1983 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Hunter played two seasons with Buffalo before being traded to the Los Angeles Rams for quarterback Vince Ferragamo, despite only having two picks in the 1983 NFL Draft had an advantage over quarterback Jim Kelly.

Hunter showed promise early in his career when he was selected to the All-Rookie team by the Professional Football Writers’ Association in 1983 after amassing over 400 yards on nearly 40 receptions.

Hunter ultimately played just four years in the NFL, collecting more than 130 passing yards and 1,500 yards in 47 games before his career ended due to a serious leg injury.

Fans showed their condolences and support for Notre Dame Fighting Irish legend Tony Hunter

Many fans took to social media to express their support for Hunter and his family when they heard the news of his death.

Tonight we celebrate the life of a giant in the Moeller family. Family and friends gather on the campus of Moeller High School to honor our beloved Tony Hunter ’79. pic.twitter.com/U2Okvc9Lo6

— 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗵𝗲𝗻 (@BigMoBarrett) June 21, 2024

🙏🏻God rest Tony Hunter. A Queen City legend who was part of a most legendary and formidable Moeller pipeline to South Bend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and lifelong teammates. Legends preceded us on sacred grounds.
☘️ 🏈 🌳 pic.twitter.com/eP44tOKcY8

— Holtz’s Heroes Foundation (@HoltzHeroes) June 13, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a great man and Moeller athlete, Tony Hunter ’79. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers. May the souls of the faithful departed, by the grace of God, rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/pSyBvKJksd

— Moeller Crusaders (@LetsGoBigMoe) June 12, 2024

Tony Hunter was the best TE and athlete I have ever seen @ ND outside of TB and the Rocket (Athlete). Rest in peace. 🙏🙏🙏🍀🍀🍀 https://t.co/iAmq8u8uGv

— Bronco Bones (@bronco_bones) June 21, 2024

Hunter’s obituary explains who he is survived by.

Anthony “Tony” Hunter, from Cincinnati. Son of the late Vincent Lee Morton and Laura Lee Hunter. Loving father and father-in-law of Quinten & Christina Goode and India Jamila Hunter. Devoted brother and brother-in-law of Regina Ann Hunter, Janice & Charlie Dews, Charlene Hunter and the late Frank Hunter. Stepbrother of Stephanie Morton, Angie Morton and Eric Morton. Dear uncle of Kareem Stokes, Ashley Hunter, Frank Hunter, Alexa Dews and Kayla Hunter. Also survived by extended family and many friends. Tony passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at the age of 64.

He was a loving and devoted son, father, brother and uncle. He had a particularly close bond with all his family members who loved him and were very proud of him. The relationship between mother and son was precious. He had a lot of wonderful friends that he loved and stayed connected with all over the country.

A very sad day today, one of our beloved friends and Irish legendary Tony Hunter went to play football in heaven. pic.twitter.com/w1LfjTCZXi

— Dos Gnomes (@dosleprechauns) June 13, 2024

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