The University of Southern California announced their legendary running back Charles White died on Wednesday. He was 64 years old. A cause of death has not been revealed.
White had a notable football career. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1979 and still holds the Trojan’s record for rushing with 6,245 yards in his four years of play.
White went on to play nine years in the NFL before retiring to coach.
Former USC coach John Robinson said of White: “He was the toughest player I’ve ever coached. He was really unusual in that regard. He was a great player and just loved playing the game. Those are the things I remember the most. He was a really tough guy, and he was an extremely gifted athlete. But the toughness … wow!”
“Charles White was one of the all-time great Trojans,” said USC athletic director Mike Bohn, adding that White was a “Rose Bowl legend, a two-time unanimous All-American, and an NCAA record-setter.”
White was a two-time All-American; he led his team to a national title in 1978 and won the Walter Camp, Maxwell, and Pop Warner Awards after his senior season.
The Cleveland Browns drafted White in 1980. He played for the team for five years.
White joined the Rams in 1985; he played four seasons in Los Angeles and amassed 3,075 yards rushing in his NFL career.
After retiring from the NFL, White joined the USC coaching team, overseeing running backs from 1993-97.
White is survived by his ex-wife, Judianne White-Basch, their five children and a granddaughter.
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