In 1958 he caught 19 passes, averaged 14 yards on each, was his team's co-captain and Most Valuable Player, and was consensus All-America.

He is the only Horned Frog to be named a two-time consensus All-America.

He was also a consensus All-America in 2012, the 20th Bobcat to attain that status.

He had one consensus All-America selection in 2000.

A consensus All-America pick at in 1913, the first-ever at Notre Dame.

He was All-Southwest Conference three times and consensus All-America in 1968.

His collegiate coach, Rod Rust, said of the 1968 consensus All-America, "There are two factors behind Joe's success.

He was selected as a consensus All-America in 1956, his senior year, also playing on the Stanford golf team.

He was a consensus All-America in 1973.