USC football countdown to kickoff—Marcus Allen in focus
Position: Running back
Years played at USC: 1978-1981
Career highlights: Allen did not start at running back for USC his first two years, because the Trojans had another Heisman winner in the backfield: the late, great Charles White. After winning a national championship as a freshman backup in 1978, Allen started at fullback in 1979.
Following the graduation of White, Allen took over as USC's featured back in 1980. After rushing for more than 1,500 yards that season, he shattered the record book as a senior in 1981. That year, Allen became the first player in college football history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season, carrying the ball 403 times for an incredible 2,342 yards and 22 touchdowns. He was named a Unanimous All-American and won just about every award that he was eligible for, including the Heisman Trophy, becoming the fourth USC running back to take home the honor.
Allen's retired jersey No. 33 hangs in the Peristyle at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
After USC: Allen did not have to move very far after graduating, as the newly-moved Los Angeles Raiders selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft. Playing his home games in the Coliseum, just as he did in college, Allen quickly became a star for L.A. In eleven seasons with the team, he was named to five Pro Bowls, made first-team All-Pro twice, made second-team All-Pro once, won MVP, offensive player of the year, offensive rookie of the year, and Super Bowl MVP, leading the Raiders to a victory in Super Bowl XVII. Allen spent the final five years of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, making another Pro Bowl and winning comeback player of the year in 1993.
Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. He is the only player in football history to win a college football national championship, the Heisman Trophy, a Super Bowl, NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and be named a Unanimous All-American.
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