Legendary Indiana Running Back John Isenbarger passes away.

The Indiana University Athletic Department posted on its X account yesterday the passing of the Hoosier football legend:

A lifelong Hoosier, Isenbarger gained notoriety as a three-sport star at Muncie Central High School in Muncie, Indiana. While at Muncie Central, Isenbarger lettered in football, basketball, and field track, earning three letters in each sport. Isenbarger was an All-Conference quarterback, an All-Conference and All-State guard (basketball), and placed fourth in the pole vault at the state meet in 1966.

Isenbarger would hone his athletic prowess in Bloomington with the Hoosiers. He earned All-Big Ten honors twice, leading the conference in rushing in 1969 and punting in 1967. His 1967 season catalyzed Indiana's Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl appearance. Isenbarger sits tenth all-time in rushing yards in school history.

Isenbarger was a Sporting News All-American and played as a senior in the Hula Bowl, Senior Bowl, and East-West Shrine game.

Ironically, football was not Isenbarger's favorite sport; it was basketball. Legendary Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp recruited the Indiana native to Lexington for basketball. Rupp and the Wildcats were not the only university bidding for Isenbarger. Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon wrote him a letter to choose Michigan over any other suitors.

Isenbarger's relationship with head football coach John Pont led him to Bloomington and football. After losing a competition with Harry Gonso, Isenbarger switched from quarterback to running back to get playing time. That decision led him to become a second-round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers.

Isenbarger led the Hoosiers in rushing and punting for three consecutive years. After playing for four years in the NFL, he retired to his native Indiana, where he pursued a career in sales. Isenbarger and his wife had two sons.