Jerry Stovall, the 85‑year‑old former LSU football star who left an indelible mark on college and professional football, passed away, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans, players, and officials across the sport.
A career defined by excellence
Stovall first rose to prominence as a unanimous All‑American at LSU in 1962, earning the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year award and the Walter Camp Memorial Trophy. That same year he was selected second overall in the NFL Draft, launching a nine‑year career with the St. Louis Cardinals in which he earned three Pro Bowl selections.
After his playing days, Stovall returned to LSU as an assistant coach. When head coach Bo Rein died in a 1980 plane crash, Stovall stepped in as head coach, guiding the Tigers to a 22‑21‑2 record and capturing National Coach of the Year honors in 1982.
Beyond the sidelines
Stovall later served as Director of Athletics at Louisiana Tech, where he helped shape the program’s infrastructure and athletic offerings. His contributions to the sport were recognized in 2010 when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the game’s most influential figures.