BREAKING: Former USC Star & Heisman Trophy Winner Has Passed Away
Charles White, the legendary USC tailback who won the Heisman Trophy in 1979, died Wednesday. He was 64.
USC announced the death of White, who was still the Trojans' career rushing leader with 6,245 yards. The school said that the nine-year NFL veteran died of cancer in Newport Beach, California.
The former USC running back was a member of the Trojans' 1978 National Championship-winning team and remained the program's leading rusher with 6,245 yards. He also scored 49 touchdowns for the school.
"He was the toughest player I've ever coached," said John Robinson, who coached White at USC and with the Los Angeles Rams. "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!"
placeholder"Charles White was one of the all-time great Trojans," USC athletic director Mike Bohn said. "A Rose Bowl legend, a two-time unanimous All-American and an NCAA record-setter, he made USC proud donning the Cardinal and Gold."
