Charles White, a tailback for Southern California who won the 1979 Heisman Trophy, passed away on Wednesday. Let’s see, how did Charles White die and his cause of death in detail.
How did Charles White die?
USC Heisman Trophy winner, Charles White died at the age of 64. USC announced the death of White, the Trojans’ all-time leading rusher with 6,245 yards.
The nine-year NFL veteran passed away in Newport Beach, California, from cancer, according to the school.
John Robinson, White’s former head coach at USC and with the Los Angeles Rams, said of him, “He was the toughest player I’ve ever coached”.
“White was 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! ”, he added.
Charles White cause of death:
Charles White died on January 11, 2023 due to cancer. White, a native of Los Angeles won the Heisman Trophy while playing college football for the University of Southern California, where he was an All-American.
He was selected in the first round (27th overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft and played professionally for the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns.
#FightOnForever, Charles White.
The 1979 Heisman Trophy winner, who won a national championship with USC in 1978 and went on to make the College Football Hall of Fame, died today in Newport Beach. He was 64. pic.twitter.com/iH0ANvslSM
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) January 12, 2023
White played football for the USC Trojans while he was a student at the University of Southern California.
The W.J. Voit Memorial Trophy was given to White in 1978 for being the best college football player on the Pacific Coast.
He is the second Rose Bowl player (out of four overall) to receive Player of the Game honors twice.
Judianne White-Basch, his ex-wife, their five children, and a grandchild survive White. Information on the memorial service is still pending.
Who was Charles White?
Charles White won the Heisman Trophy three times for USC and finished his career as the second-most rushing yards leader in Trojan history.
White, who was Ricky Bell’s backup, rushed for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns in his freshman season.
He topped the country in rushing yards while serving as the Trojans’ captain. Each of White’s final three seasons saw him finish first for the Trojans in rushing.
After his senior year, he also received the Walter Camp, Maxwell, and Pop Warner Awards. Following the 1978 and 1979 seasons, he received the Rose Bowl MVP award in both contests.
The third of USC’s record eight Heisman winners, White is still held in high respect at the institution formerly known as Tailback U.
One of the greatest Trojans of all time, according to USC athletic director Mike Bohn, was Charles White.
“A Rose Bowl legend, a two-time unanimous All-American, and an NCAA record-setter, he made USC proud donning the Cardinal and Gold.”
Cleveland selected White with the 27th overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft. White played for Cleveland for five seasons, missing the whole 1983 campaign due to injury.
Robinson coached him for four more seasons after he joined the Rams in 1985, and he finished his NFL career with 3,075 yards.
He again worked for Robinson, who had returned to the Trojans, and coached USC’s running backs from 1993 to 1997 after his NFL retirement. He worked in the Trojans’ athletic department’s administration as well.
Award and honors:
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1987)
- NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (1987)
- NFL rushing yards leader (1987)
- National champion (1978)
- First-team All-Pro (1987)
- Pro Bowl (1987)
- Heisman Trophy (1979)
- Walter Camp Award (1979)
- Chic Harley Award (1979)
- UPI Player of the Year (1979)
- Sporting News Player of the Year (1979)
- Maxwell Award (1979)
- 2× Unanimous All-American (1978, 1979)
- 2× Pac-10 Player of the Year (1978, 1979)
Tributes to Charles White:
USC Trojans posted,
#FightOnForever, Charles White.
The 1979 Heisman Trophy winner, who won a national championship with USC in 1978 and went on to make the College Football Hall of Fame, died today in Newport Beach. He was 64.
Nick J. Hines “Sarge” tweeted,
Rest easy Charles White, gone too soon.
Jim Dunaway tweeted,
I’m sorry to hear about the death of USC RB Charles White. I never got a chance to meet him, or apologize for cussing at my TV as he ran for 199 yards against Alabama in 1978. He was remarkable that day. @AlabamaFTBL
@uscfb
@NextRoundLive
Pat V. Sonti tweeted,
Heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Charles White on his passing away today. Fight On!
Clarence Hill Jr tweeted,
Damn. Gone to soon. I was talking to @MarcusAllenHOF in September about him playing fullback in front of Charles White at USC. That’s how talented USC was at tailback. Marcus Allen played fullback to get on the field. Both won the Heisman. RIP.
Jason Smith tweeted,
Charles White and Billy Sims were the first two college football superstars I watched as a kid. I remember having HUGE arguments about who was better and boy were they both great. R.I.P. #fightonforever, Charles White
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