ORONO — University of Maine Football legend John Huard has died at the age of 80.

In 2014, Huard became the first University of Maine player to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. As a linebacker, Huard helped lead Maine to the Tangerine Bowl in 1965, before being drafted by the Denver Broncos two years later. 

He also went on to play for the New Orleans Saints and the Montreal Alouettes.

In the 1970s, Huard came home to Maine and turned to a career in coaching. He worked as an offensive line coach for the University of Maine and later served as head coach of Acadia University in Nova Scotia.

In 1974, Huard coached and mentored current Colby College Head Football Coach Jack Cosgrove. At the time, Cosgrove was a quarterback for UMaine. He says Huard was a leader on and off the field.

“He set high expectations for the people around him and made them live up to it. I’ve carried that the rest of my life and it’s something I’m grateful for. I think he probably has a story like that with a lot of folks,” said Cosgrove.

Cosgrove said Huard was widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in state history.

John Huard (#57) playing for the Denver Broncos in 1969 (University of Mane)

“He’s had an impact on my life and been a major influence in my life and the things I do in the game of football,” said Cosgrove.

UMaine football coach Jordan Stevens says Huard’s impact will be felt for a long time to come.

“His level of toughness, his level of competitive spirit – those are the things we remember him by,” said Stevens. “His ability to impact those around him in a positive way – on the football field and off – as a leader. He certainly embraced that, and we’ll remember him as a leader.”

Stevens said the University of Maine is mourning Huard’s loss.

 “I send my greatest sympathies to his family and the ones close to him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” said Stevens. 

According to the University of Maine, Huard was a two-time first team All-America honoree in 1965 and 1966. He was also the first football student athlete to be inducted into the UMaine Sports Hall of Fame.