Back to search

Marcus Allen

Running Back

Inducted 2000

Date of Birth

3/26/1960

Birthplace

San Diego, CA

School

University of Southern California (1978-1981)

Bio

In his first two years at Southern California Marcus Allen played fullback. As part of his assignment, he blocked for Charles White, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1979. Allen moved to tailback, set records for rushing, and won the Heisman in 1981. He led his team in both receiving and rushing those last two years. In 1980, he rushed for 1,563 yards, second in the nation. In 1981, he rushed for 2,342 yards. He led the nation in scoring, 12.5 points per game; rushing 219.9 yards per game; and all-purpose running, 232.6 yards per game. In addition to the Heisman, he received the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Foundation and Pop Warner League designation as the Player of the Year. He was all-conference for the second time. Southern Cal retired his jersey No. 33. His coach, John Robinson, called him "the greatest player I ever saw." Allen came to Southern Cal from Lincoln High, San Diego. He was state high school Player of the Year in 1977 after scoring five touchdowns in the state championship game. Allen played in the NFL from 1982-97 with the Raiders and Kansas City.