The National Football League takes the country by storm every year. Safe to say, players from each team have left an indelible mark on the sport. The University of Southern California is among the most successful teams in the game’s history. Here is our ranking of the best USC players of all time.
Sam Cunningham (1950-2021)
This USC alum played for the New England Patriots for nine seasons between 1973 and 1982. Remembered fondly as Sam “Bam” Cunningham, this running back was an all-time rusher with 5,435 yards. Cunningham is most well-known for helping the Patriots set the record for most yards during a season. In 2010, the Patriots bestowed him with the title of Hall of Famer.
Lynn Swann (1952-Present)
A wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers for nine seasons, Lynn Swann joined the team in 1974, just before its four-time run at the Super Bowl title. Swann earned his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001. His eagle-like moves and spectacular catches remain legendary in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Frank Gifford (1930-2015)
Even before the New York Giants picked him up in 1954, Frank Gifford boasted of a glorious career in both defense and offense positions. Named NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1956, even a head injury did not diminish his spectacular talent. He brought massive success to the Giants and was chosen for the Pro Bowl eight times.
Willie Wood (1932-2020)
With expertise in running the ball, the Green Bay Packers chose this USC quarterback in 1960. He continued his stint with them until his retirement in 1971. He had five NFL championships under his belt, secured nine first- or second-team All-NFL honors nine times, and played the Pro Bowl eight times.
Ronald Yary (1946-Present)
This USC alum’s fifteen-year career saw him play for the Michigan Vikings (1968–1981) and the Los Angeles Rams (1982). An offensive lineman, Yary stood out because of his ethics, agility, and aggression. Standing at 6.5 feet tall, he earned the title of first-time All-Pro six times and was named All-NFC for eight seasons. He played seven Pro Bowl games.
Junior Seau (1969-2012)
Chosen by the San Diego Chargers as a linebacker in 1990, he later played for the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots. He took part in the Pro Bowl twelve times and helmed the Chargers to their first stint in the NFL in 1994. He received honors such as NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Chargers Most Valuable Player.
Marcus Allen (1960-Present)
Allen carved a name for himself as a star running back who alternatively played for the Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. He received the MVP title in 1985. Allen was the first player in the history of the league to run for over 10,000 yards and catch passes for over 5,000 yards.
Anthony Munoz (1958-Present)
Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1980 as the offensive tackle, Munoz was chosen as the All-American lineman twice while playing for the USC Trojans in college. Munoz participated in the Pro Bowl eleven times. He was awarded the titles of NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year and NFL Players Association Lineman of the Year several times.
Bruce Mathews (1961-Present)
After his selection into the Houston Oilers in 1983 as an offensive lineman, both Mathews and his team began climbing the ladder of success. He helped strengthen the Oilers’ offensive, which made it to the playoffs in 1987. He earned induction into the Pro Bowl fourteen times and received first-team All-Pro honors nine times.
Ronnie Lott (1959-Present)
First-time player Lott’s rise to fame was driven by his role in helping the San Francisco 49ers clinch victory during Super Bowl XVI in 1981. His ability to gauge and disrupt the direction of play was well known. He participated in the Pro Bowl ten times and played three different positions. He was part of the Anniversary Team put together to celebrate 75 years of the NFL.
The 10 Best NFL Players From USC