The 10 biggest Notre Dame football NFL Draft busts of all time
player. 55. . RB/P. Pittsburgh Steelers. William Shakespeare. 3
No. 5 biggest Notre Dame football NFL Draft bust of all time: William Shakespeare
1936 NFL Draft: Round 1, Pick 3
Pittsburgh Pirates (Steelers), 1936
That there was an NFL player named William Shakespeare and many do not know about it is an indictment on the Staten Island-born running back/punter’s — who was a Heisman finalist for Notre Dame football in the first year ever for the award — pro football career.
Steelers.com’s Teresa Varley summed up his short career concisely and wittily. “Now, if you are wondering about Shakespeare’s playing career, keep wondering,” Varley prefaced before saying, “In those days football was not a high-paying endeavor so Shakespeare opted for a business career rather than playing professional football. What might have become of Shakespeare had he chosen football? In the words of the slightly more famous Shakespeare…’To be, or not to be, that is the question…'”
Shakespeare at one point held the program record for passing, rushing, punting, kickoff returns, and scoring. A Notre Dame legend, Shakespeare never brought his legendary name more notoriety in the NFL.