Over the past 50 years, Charles White has proven to be the most productive of the many dynamic ball carriers to don the scarlet and gold of USC.
White, a bruising, battering ram-like tailback, barreled his way to one of the most illustrious careers in USC history and college football history. During a phenomenal four-year career that still ranks at the top of the USC lifetime rushing yards records, the Los Angeles native assisted in leading USC to a national championship in 1978, earned the Heisman Trophy in 1979, and set 22 schools, Pac-12, NCAA, and Rose Bowl marks.
How did Charles White die?
Charles White, a Heisman Trophy winner for USC, passed away at age 64. White, who finished his career with 6,245 yards of rushing for the Trojans, passed away, according to USC.
According to the institution, the nine-year NFL veteran passed away from cancer in Newport Beach, California.
White’s previous head coach at USC and with the Los Angeles Rams, John Robinson, referred to him as “the toughest athlete I’ve ever taught.”
In that regard, White was uncommon. He was an excellent player who only enjoyed the game. The things I remember most are them. He was an adamant individual with exceptional athletic ability—however, the tenacity. Wow!” he exclaimed.
Charles White cause of death:
In 2023, on January 11th, Charles White passed away from cancer. White, a Los Angeles native, played collegiate football for the University of Southern California and was an All-American while there, winning the Heisman Trophy.
He was chosen by the Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Rams as a professional football player in 1980, respectively, in the first round (27th overall).
White played football for the USC Trojans while attending the University of Southern California.
White received the W.J. Voit Memorial Trophy in 1978 for being the top college football player on the Pacific Coast.
He is the second player (out of four total) in the Rose Bowl to win Player of the Game twice.
White is survived by Judianne White-Basch, his ex-wife, their five children, and a grandchild. The memorial service’s details have not yet been released.
Who was Charles White?
Charles White concluded his career as the Trojan with the second-most rushing yards after three Heisman Trophy victories for USC.
In his rookie season, White, Ricky Bell’s backup, carried for 858 yards and ten touchdowns.
As the Trojans’ captain, he led the nation in rushing yards. White won the top spot in each of his final three seasons for the Trojans in swelling.
He was also given the Walter Camp, Maxwell, and Pop Warner Awards after his senior year. He won the Rose Bowl MVP honour in both games in 1978 and 1979, the seasons afterwards.
White, the third of USC’s record eight Heisman winners, is still highly regarded at what was initially known as Tailback U.
According to USC athletic director Mike Bohn, Charles White was one of the best Trojans.
He “made USC proud donning the Cardinal and Gold” as a two-time unanimous All-American and NCAA record-setter, according to the Rose Bowl lore.
Cleveland chose white as the 27th overall choice in the 1980 NFL Draft. White spent five seasons playing with Cleveland, but an injury prevented him from competing in 1983.
He had four more seasons under Robinson’s tutelage after switching to the Rams in 1985, and his NFL career saw him accumulate 3,075 yards.
After his NFL retirement, he assisted Robinson, who was now back with the Trojans and coached USC’s running backs from 1993 to 1997. He also had a job managing the Trojans’ athletic department.
Tributes to Charles White:
The 1978 Heisman Trophy winner with USC, who was also elected into the College Football Hall of Fame, passed away today in Newport Beach. He was 64.
I’m sorry to learn of USC RB Charles White’s passing. When he ran for 199 yards versus Alabama in 1978, I never had the chance to meet him or ask him to forgive me for swearing at my TV. That day, he was outstanding.
Sincere condolences and prayers are sent to Charles White’s family on this tragic day. Persevere in your battle!
Damn. Far too soon. In September, I spoke with @MarcusAllenHOF about how he played fullback for USC in front of Charles White. So talented were the USC tailbacks. To get on the field, Marcus Allen suited up as a fullback. Each received a Heisman. RIP.
My first two favourite college football players to watch as a child were Charles White and Billy Sims. Although they were both excellent, I recall having LARGE fights over who was superior. Charles White, may you rest in peace.
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