Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 23, 2026

Luke Higgins

Luke Martin Higgins was an American professional football guard who played one season with the Baltimore Colts of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He played college football at the University of Notre Dame.

Last revised
Jun 23, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
Length
375 w
Citations
12
Source
Luke Higgins
No. 31
PositionGuard
Personal information
Born(1921-05-03)May 3, 1921
Edgewater, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedOctober 11, 1991(1991-10-11) (aged 70)
Largo, Florida, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High schoolCliffside Park
(Cliffside Park, New Jersey)
CollegeNotre Dame (1941–1942, 1946)
NFL draft1945: 23rd round, 235th overall pick
Career history
Awards and highlights
Career AAFC statistics
Games played11
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Luke Martin Higgins (May 3, 1921 – October 11, 1991) was an American professional football guard who played one season with the Baltimore Colts of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He played college football at the University of Notre Dame.

Early life

Luke Martin Higgins was born on May 3, 1921, in Edgewater, New Jersey.1 He attended Cliffside Park High School in Cliffside Park, New Jersey.2

College and military career

Higgins played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the University of Notre Dame from 1941 to 1942.2 His football career was interrupted by a stint in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.2 He was awarded a Purple Heart after being seriously wounded in Italy in 1944.34 Higgins returned to Notre Dame in 1946 and played for the football team that season.5 The 1946 Fighting Irish were AP Poll national champions. Higgins also participated in the shot put during his time at Notre Dame.6

Professional career

Higgins was selected by the Cleveland Rams in the 23rd round, with the 235th overall pick, of the 1945 NFL draft.1 He signed with the Baltimore Colts of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1947.7 He played in 11 games for the Colts during the 1947 season.1

Personal life

Higgins died on October 11, 1991, in Largo, Florida.1

References

References

  1. "Luke Higgins". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  2. "Luke Higgins". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  3. Somogyi, Lou (May 24, 2014). "God, Country, Notre Dame". notredame.247sports.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2015. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  4. "Jim Costin says:". The South Bend Tribune. November 14, 1944. p. 4. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  5. "Notre Dame". The Oklahoma Courier. September 21, 1946. p. 4. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  6. "Spartan Track Team Defeats Irish, 78 to 44". Chicago Tribune. May 19, 1946. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  7. "Luke Higgins Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved April 10, 2025.