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United States Jim Hart transitioned from an undrafted college athlete to a four-time Pro Bowl NFL quarterback, leading the St. Louis Cardinals and later serving as an athletic director at Southern Illinois University. He now shares insights from his extensive career.
Jim Hart spent 18 years as the quarterback for the St. Louis Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals), setting numerous franchise records including career wins (87), completions (2,590), and passing yards (34,665).
After his long tenure with the Cardinals, Jim Hart played one season for the Washington Redskins in 1984, primarily backing up Joe Theismann.
Jim Hart's alma mater, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he played college football and later served as the athletic director from 1989 to 1999.
Following his NFL retirement, Jim Hart broadcast games on WGN with Dick Butkus until 1989.
In 1983, Jim Hart co-opened this steakhouse with teammate Dan Dierdorf, which operated for 30 years before closing in 2013.
James Warren Hart, born on April 29, 1944, in Evanston, Illinois, established a notable career in Football. His early life involved playing sports including football, basketball, and baseball, at Niles West High School in Skokie, Illinois. He received a football scholarship to Southern Illinois University, where he played for the Salukis from 1963 to 1965. Despite not being selected in the 1966 NFL draft, Hart secured a tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals, where his performance led to him being signed to the team.
Hart’s NFL journey with the St. Louis Cardinals began in 1966. After an initial period with mediocre team performance, the arrival of coach Don Coryell in 1973 marked a significant turning point. Under Coryell, Hart led the Cardinals to back-to-back NFC East titles in 1974 and 1975, earning widespread recognition, including four Pro Bowl selections from 1974 to 1977. He was also named the UPI NFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1974 and received the Byron “Whizzer” White NFL Man of the Year award in 1975. After 18 seasons with the Cardinals, he briefly played for the Washington Redskins in 1984 before retiring. His career with the Cardinals included team records for career wins by a quarterback (87) and franchise records for completions (2,590) and attempts (5,069).
Post-NFL, Hart continued to contribute to sports, broadcasting games with Dick Butkus on WGN until 1989. From 1989 to 1999, he served as the athletic director for Southern Illinois University Carbondale, his alma mater. In 2010, the Arizona Cardinals honored his contributions by inducting him into their Ring of Honor. He also co-opened Dierdorf and Hart’s Steak House in 1983, which operated for 30 years. Hart resides in Naples, Florida, with his college sweetheart wife, enjoying his retirement and participating in charity golf tournaments, while also sharing his experiences from his long and impactful career.
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