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Jerry Stovall, LSU great and Heisman runner-up, dies at 85

PUBLISHED Sep 1, 2026, 12:27 AM ET

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Sources: 31

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Sources: 31

Jerry Stovall, celebrated as "Mr. Everything" during his standout career as an LSU halfback, safety, punter, and kick returner, died Monday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at age 85. Stovall earned unanimous All-American honors in 1962 and finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Oregon State quarterback Terry Baker. National Football Foundation chairman Archie Manning noted Stovall's unmatched versatility and enduring community impact. Following his collegiate success, Stovall was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, playing nine seasons and earning three Pro Bowl selections as a safety. He later returned to his alma mater as head coach from 1980 to 1983, compiling a 22-21-2 record and winning the 1982 Walter Camp National Coach of the Year award after leading the Tigers to an Orange Bowl appearance. Stovall was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010, and LSU retired his uniform number 21 in 2018.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On September 1, 1960 Jerry Stovall began his stellar collegiate playing career at LSU.
On November 30, 1962 Jerry Stovall finished as runner up for the Heisman Trophy.
On January 1, 1963 Jerry Stovall was selected in the first round of draft.
On September 1, 1971 Jerry Stovall concluded his successful nine season professional playing career.
On September 1, 1977 Jerry Stovall entered the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
On September 1, 1980 Jerry Stovall assumed head coaching duties for the LSU Tigers.
On January 1, 1982 Jerry Stovall earned national coach of the year honors.
On September 1, 2010 Jerry Stovall achieved induction into College Football Hall of Fame.
On September 1, 2018 Jerry Stovall witnessed his uniform number 21 retired by LSU.
On September 1, 2026 Jerry Stovall passed away in Baton Rouge at age 85.
On September 2, 2026 sports communities nationwide will honor his lasting football legacy.
On September 3, 2026 memorial arrangements will likely be announced for former player.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: College football fans mourn loss of versatile LSU sports legend.
Possible long-term US impact: Future tributes will honor historical impact on Louisiana sports culture.
Most affected groups: Sports enthusiasts, LSU alumni, and college football historians are impacted.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize official university statements and verified sports obituaries.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 31
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 31

Explain Framing

Left: Highlighting community impact and historical contributions to collegiate sports. Center: Reporting biographical milestones and career achievements in neutral tones. Right: Emphasizing traditional values of athletic excellence and leadership.