OT: MGoObituary - USC's Charles White passes away at 64

Submitted by I'mTheStig on January 11th, 2023 at 11:34 PM

Shocking news... partly because 64 is too young and partly because for for Gen Xers or older, we remember Charles White getting awarded a touchdown while fumbling on the 2 yard line.

Nevertheless, White was very accomplished:

  • '79 and '79 Rose Bowl MVP
  • Heisman Trophy in 1979.
  • Trojans’ career rushing leader with 6,245 yards.

RIP

The Geek

January 12th, 2023 at 9:32 AM ^

my roommate freshman year (1989) had a large poster of that play, and it was a long-shot from an angle that showed a lot if the crowd in the rose bowl. even at that distance you could see the ball was out around the 1. 

AWAS

January 12th, 2023 at 10:10 AM ^

I had a chance to meet Charles White at a couple of USC events.  My impression was of a complete gentleman, cordial and gracious to everyone he met--including this bemused UM grad.  There was nothing polarizing about Charles--he was loved by all.  It's sad to lose a great competitor, and worse to lose a great man.

tybert

January 12th, 2023 at 11:31 AM ^

I remember watching the 1977 RB game on TV. Ricky Bell was USCs star RB and he got hurt early. UM scored first but the XP got blocked. Then White comes in and gets 100+ on us and the clinching TD.

The worst part of the 1979 RB is that a B10 ref (back in the days when the crews were 50/50 from each conference) made the call for the TD. He refused to reverse his call, even though other refs had disputed his call. The head ref should have overruled the crappy B1G ref and it may have helped us win.

Yes, I'm 59 so anything death under 80 seems too young these days. But 64 is really humbling. 

tybert

January 12th, 2023 at 11:58 AM ^

From that game, the three CFB HOGF running backs (White, Bell, Lytle) have all now passed on to that great gridiron in the sky. Doesn't seem that long ago I was watching them play CFB!

mooseman

January 12th, 2023 at 12:40 PM ^

Hopefully the pall bearers don't drop him 2 yards shy of the hole and call it good.

 

Seriously though. RIP great back and by all accounts a good guy.

umchicago

January 12th, 2023 at 1:53 PM ^

unusual nfl career. he played 9 seasons. led the nfl in rushing with the rams in 1989 with 1,374 yards in his 8th season. he retired the next year. he played in 15 games and started 12 that year. his next highest rushing total in any other year was 342; career total of 3,075.

Bugs

January 12th, 2023 at 7:24 PM ^

‘79 Rose Bowl, Gil ‘effing’ Marchman, Big 10 line judge signaled TD even though the ball was recovered by Mike Harden at the 3-4 yard line. Amazingly, Marchman walking onto the field as Referee prior to the 1992 M vs NW game in Evanston. I Loudly told him he should not ever be employed because of that blunder. He looked right at me and clearly heard me before he went on his way. My story and sticking to it. Anyway RIP CW.