Jerry Stovall: A Legacy in College and Professional Football

Jerry Stovall, the esteemed former LSU head coach and College Football Hall of Fame halfback, passed away at the age of 85. Reports confirmed his death on Monday, August 31. Details regarding the cause of his death have not been disclosed.

Stovall was born on April 30, 1941, in West Monroe, Louisiana. He made a name for himself as an outstanding football player at West Monroe High School, becoming the institution’s first All-State player.

College Career at LSU

Recruited by LSU, Stovall became one of the school’s most versatile football talents between 1960 and 1962. He excelled as a halfback and also contributed as a receiver, punter, returner, and defensive back. He earned first-team All-SEC honors twice and was named the conference’s most valuable player in 1962. That same year, he was a unanimous All-American and finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Terry Baker from Oregon State. His impressive statistics included over 1,000 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 452 receiving yards, and seven interceptions. His standout performance led to the retirement of his No. 21 jersey by LSU.

Professional NFL Career

The St. Louis Cardinals selected Stovall in the first round of the 1963 NFL Draft. He dedicated nine seasons (1963-1971) to the team, mainly as a defensive back, while also punting and contributing to special teams. During his professional career, he was honored with three Pro Bowl selections and received All-Pro recognition.

Coaching and Administration

Returning to LSU, Stovall began as an assistant coach under Charles McClendon. In 1980, following the death of incoming coach Bo Rein, Stovall was promoted to head coach. Over four seasons, he achieved a 22-21-2 record with the Tigers. In 1982, he led the team to an 8-3-1 season, securing a spot in the Orange Bowl and earning national coach-of-the-year honors. Stovall’s coaching career at LSU concluded after the 1983 season, following a winless conference run.

Post-coaching, he shifted to athletic administration, serving as the director of athletics at Louisiana Tech and later leading the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation.

Hall of Fame Inductions

Jerry Stovall was inducted into both the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 1981 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. His legacy remains significant as both an accomplished player and coach at LSU, remembered for his contributions in nearly every football capacity.