The Legacy of Charles White, Heisman Winner
The man who was the all-time-rushing leader.
Charles White, a Los Angeles native, 1958–2023, and for USC as a prolific football player and over the past half-century no one has ever come near his achievement level and tenacity. He barreled his way to fame on the field and carved out a very successful and most decorated career in the history of football.
White helped to lift USC to a national championship in 1978 by winning the Heisman Trophy and in 1979, set 22 schools, Pac-12, NCAA, and Rose Bowl records over an amazing four-year run. There is no doubt that he ranked atop the record books for career rushing yards at USC. His talent had always opened the door for him. He had a physical style that he was recognized for early on at San Fernando High and caught the eye of John Robinson, the Trojans’ coach.
John Robinson and White went on to become a successful duo. Robinson said that White was the toughest player he had ever coached with the Trojans and later the Rams. White was labeled as a player who truly loved playing the sport in addition to being a great player.
During White’s four-year USC career, he rushed for 6,245 yards, a record that has never been eclipsed at USC and he ranked fifth in NCAA history. He again made history in his final season, by rushing for 2,050 yards, the second-most by a Trojans running back headed for winning the Heisman Trophy, the third at that time by a USC player.
White’s stardom continued as he was drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns and later lead the NFL in rushing with the Rams during the 1987 season. In the midst of all his fame, he spiraled into drug and alcohol addiction and over time it took the front seat during his pro career. To kick his drug and alcohol abuse, White entered into several drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.
Like all addicts, White struggled with drugs and alcohol but Robinson, his former coach, never gave up on his ability and gave him a second chance to play with the Rams. He reemerged as one of the NFL’s most productive backs, but thereafter washed out of the league after the 1988 season. Even USC offered White a landing spot, a special assistant to the athletic director in 1990. He went on to become the Trojans running backs coach from 1993 to 1997. Returning to his alma mater was to his detriment as his addiction spiraled out of control and his relationship with USC deteriorated.
His life continued to spiral out of control as he was discovered outside of his apartment building and was incoherent, disoriented, and unaware of his surroundings later with his erratic behavior was diagnosed with dementia. It was stated that his erratic behavior may have been due to traumatic brain injury and not totally to drug and alcohol abuse.
He ended up living in an assisted living facility two years prior to his death and was surrounded by a list of his accomplishments next to his bed along with photos of his fame with USC hung on his walls. Up to the very end of his life, he was noted as being somewhat aware of his history as he stated, “I know I once did something good, something great, something fantastic for USC,” per The Times.
During his final days, USC mended their relationship with White and they did what they could for the legendary running back. White is yet labeled as “one of the all-time great Trojans.”
While he had been diagnosed with dementia, he died of cancer at the age of 64. Some credited his dementia to the trauma he endured during his many years of collisions as a football player. His mind had diminished from the effects of dementia.
In conclusion, White’s former days outweigh his latter days. He will be forever remembered as an all-time great Heisman Trophy winner and one of the greatest and most talented football players. May he rest in power.
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