CARD: Pro Set WLAF 1991 ACQUIRED: 2021, Gift FAILURE: TTM 2015 & 2018, C/o Home
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Converted from tight end to offensive tackle while playing for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
Saw playing time significantly increase during Senior campaign playing both ways at both OT and DE in ’88.
Joined the LA Rams in 1990, but was released before the season.
Second round selection of the London Monarchs of the WLAF in the 1991 positional draft.
Solid pass blocker, who helped Monarchs grade out as the best offensive line in the league.
After completing second tour in WLAF, joined Seattle Seahawks for the 1992 campaign, suiting up for 10 games.
In 1993, played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Returned to World League in 1996, playing another season with the Frankfurt Galaxy.
Closed out career with the San Jose Sabrecats of the Arena League, playing both OL/DL in 1996 and 1997.
ACCOLADES:
2nd Team All-World League 1991
NOTES:
I couldn’t understand why Theo Adams failed to respond to me on the two separate occasions I sent out to him in 2015 and 2018, but one of my friend who collects WLAF autographs, Corey, came through with extra autographs of this card, and kindly packaged this up and sent it to me. Unfortunately he’s dropped off of social media. I hope he’s doing well.
Card: Upper Deck College Legends 2011 Acquired: 2020, EBay
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Charles White played for runningback USC from 1976 to 1979.
He dominated the college charts rushing for personal highs in yardage each year.
His efforts culminated in winning the Heisman trophy in 1979 when White rushed for 2050 yards and 19 TDs on 332 carries.
White’s was selected late in the first round of the 1980 draft by the Cleveland Browns.
His first 5 years in Cleveland were middling, as he rushed for 942 yards on 276 carries, losing his entire 1983 campaign to an injured ankle.
Charles battled drug abuse (specifically cocaine) throughout his college and pro career.
In 1985 he joined the LA Rams and was reunited with his college head coach John Robinson.
After getting clean, 1987 would be a bellwether year for White as he rushed for a career high 1374 yards and 11 TDs on 324 carries as the immediate beneficiary of the Eric Dickerson trade.
Retired in 1989, but returned to USC to coach RBs from 1993-1997.
ACCOLADES:
1979 Heisman Trophy
1987 NFL Rushing Leader
1987 NFL Rushing TD Leader
1987 Comeback Player of the Year
1987 Pro Bowl
1987 First Team All-Pro
College Football Hall of Fame
USC Jersey Retired (12)
RUSH
YDS
AVG
LG
TD
780
3075
3.9
58
23
REC
YDS
AVG
LG
TD
114
860
7.5
36
1
NOTES:
Over his career, Charles White’s 3075 yards seems a bit more impressive considering a season completely sidelined by injury, was riddled by drug abuse, and the fact he only started just 40 games.
EPITAPH:
Charles White, legendary RB who still holds the career rushing record for the USC program, died today at the age of 64, due to complications from liver cancer.
