Southern California

USC's ‘Mr. Trojan' Nick Pappas Dies at Age 99

Nick Pappas, who was dubbed "Mr. Trojan" for the 59 years he spent as a football player, coach and administrator at Southern California, has died at age 99.

The university says Pappas died Friday in Pasadena.

Pappas was a Trojan tailback from 1935-1937 and led the 1935 team in rushing.

After two years in pro football with the Hollywood Bears, he returned to coach USC freshman football. He also was the stunt double for Pat O'Brien for the 1940 movie "Knute Rockne, All American."

After six seasons as a pro scout, Pappas returned to USC, first as a scout, then assistant coach and later associate athletic director. He helped make USC's Trojan Club a successful donor group and remained active in endowment work for two decades after retiring. 

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