Donn Moomaw, a UCLA icon and College Football Hall of Famer, passed away Monday at the age of 93, as announced by the National Football Foundation.
A two-way standout for the Bruins in the early 1950s, Moomaw was the first player in program history to earn two-time All-American honors, leaving an enduring legacy both on and off the field.
Moomaw arrived at UCLA in 1950 as an end but quickly found his home at linebacker and center under legendary head coach Henry "Red" Sanders. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound defensive force became the backbone of UCLA’s defense, earning team MVP honors twice and being named Lineman of the Year as a senior.
Moomaw's impact was so significant that UCLA retired his No. 80 jersey, cementing his place as one of the best defensive players in program history. His senior season in 1952 was one of the greatest in UCLA history, as the Bruins went 8-1 and reached the Pacific Coast Conference championship game.
Moomaw was pretty much a beast. I thought I had a photo of him somewhere, and I dug it up.
His bio on Wiki says he earned All American 1st team in 1950, All American 2nd team in 1951, and consensus All-American in 1952. He also played center.
But what the hell kind of name is Moomaw? And what does your name have to be if you go by Donn? Donnald? Donnavan? Donnatella? Donnte?
Anywho, R.I.P., Donn.
Great player, I remember he passed on the pros because he refused to play football on Sundays.