Sam “Bam” Cunningham is one of the most influential players in the long history of college football.
Cunningham ran for 1579 yards in his three seasons at USC while helping the Trojans to a national championship in 1972. It was Cunningham’s game against Alabama in 1970 that is credited with helping integrate college football in the south.
Cunningham scored ran for four touchdowns in the 1973 Rose Bowl against Ohio State, a record that has been matched but never surpassed. He also helped the Trojans to victories in all three games he ever played against Notre Dame.
After college Cunningham was drafted by the New England Patriots where he played nine seasons and scored 43 career touchdowns.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the USC and Cunningham families.
#FightOnForever, Sam "Bam" Cunningham.
The All-American fullback, Rose Bowl MVP and College Football Hall of Famer, whose performance in USC's 1970 win at Alabama has often been credited with helping integrate Southern football, died on Tuesday in Inglewood. He was 71.
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 7, 2021