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

PUBLISHED Sep 1, 2026, 12:27 AM ET

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

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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.