The All-Time USC Trojans NFL Team

For decades now, the University of Southern California has been supplying the NFL with great players.

USC is known as "Tailback U", but has produced lots of great players at other positions such as offensive tackle and safety. This team features legendary players from the days of McKay and Robinson (both of Carroll's tenures), as well as some more recent players from the Pete Carroll era.

Overall, the talent on this team is balanced at nearly every position, with the exception of a few that USC surprisingly has not had a successful Trojan at in the NFL.

Offense

Quarterback: Carson Palmer—The 2002 Heisman winner was the top pick in the 2003 NFL Draft and has made the Queen City forget about the days of Akili Smith and David Klingler. Palmer suffered a serious knee injury during the 2006 NFL Playoffs, from which he recovered successfully and quickly. He lead the Bengals to a division crown in 2005 and the Bengals will likely win the AFC North title again in 2009.

Honorable Mentions: Rodney Peete, Matt Cassel, Pat Haden, and Rob Johnson

Busts: Todd Marinovich and Matt Leinhart (for now)

To be determined: Mark Sanchez

Maybe one day: Matt Barkley

Running Backs: O.J. Simpson and Marcus Allen—The school known as "Tailback U" has produced some great NFL running backs over the years, and the depth shows when a Hall of Famer like Gifford is not in the starting lineup.

Before his Hollywood days and legal troubles later in life, Juice was the first NFL player to rush for 2,000 yards and one of the league's most electrifying players.

Marcus Allen played in the NFL for 16 years and was the 1982 Rookie of The Year, 1985 NFL MVP, and Super Bowl MVP XVIII during his NFL career. He is arguably the most successful running back in Raiders history, but probably the second best NFL running back in Southern California during the 1980's (thanks to Eric Dickerson).

Honorable Mentions: Frank Gifford, Charlie Davis, Reggie Bush, Lendale White, Mike Garret, Ricky Bell, and Clarence Davis

Fullback: Sam Cunningham—Sam "Bam" Cunningham played 10 seasons with the New England Patriots and helped them go to the postseason three times. He rushed for over 5,000 yards during his career and scored 49 touchdowns.

Honorable Mention: Mosi Tatupu

Wide Receivers: Keyshawn Johnson and Lynn Swann—Keyshawn Johnson may not be in the Hall of Fame one day, but the three-time Pro Bowler proved Meshawn was one of the league's best (and most hyped) receivers during his career. He reached the 10,000 receiving yard mark and only once caught less than 800 yards during a season.

Before running for the Governor of Pennsylvania, Swann made his mark in the Keystone State as a star receiver for four Super Bowl winning teams in the Steel City. Swann, along with teammate John Stallworth, formed one of the best wide receiver duos in NFL history.

Honorable Mentions: Curtis Conway, Johnnie Morton, Steve Smith, and Bob Chandler

Bust: Dwayne Jarret and Mike Williams

Tight End: Charle Young—Young made the Pro Bowl during his first three NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and played for 13 seasons in the NFL. He was also a big contributor on the 49ers 1981 Super Bowl winning team.

Honorable Mentions: Billy Miller and Marlin McKeever

On The Rise: Fred Davis

Offensive Tackles: Anthony Munoz and Ron Yary—Anthony Munoz is arguably the best offensive lineman in NFL history and was an integral part of Cincinnati that reached the Super Bowl twice during the 1980's (both close losses to the 49ers). He reached the Pro Bowl for 11 consecutive seasons (1981-1991) and missed only three games during his first 12 seasons.

Yary was the first lineman to go No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft in 1968. He blocked for the Vikings during their four Super Bowl appearances under Bud Grant and was voted NFL Lineman of the Year for three consecutive years (1973-1975).

Ron Mix is in the Hall of Fame. but I couldn't put Munoz or Yary on the bench.

Honorable Mentions: Ron Mix, Tony Boselli, Marvin Powell, Keith Van Horne, and Steve Riley

Offensive Guards: Bruce Matthews and Roy Foster—Bruce Matthews played the most games in NFL history for a non-kicker/punter (297) and is easily on the short list for greatest offensive guards in NFL history. He was a key contributor for the playoff teams for during the Warren Moon/Jack Pardee era, as well as the Steve McNair/Eddie George/Jeff Fisher era. Now that's longevity!

Roy Foster was a two-time Pro Bowler during his 12 NFL seasons and is the only lineman to have blocked for both Dan Marino and Joe Montana.

Honorable Mentions: Derrick Deese and Bill Radovich

Center: Don Mosebar—During his days with the Raiders, Mosebar formed one of the league's best offensive lines along with Max Montoya and Steve Wisniewski. He went to Hawaii three times and helped the Raiders go to the playoffs with quarterbacks like Jay Schroeder ( a UCLA Bruin) and Jeff Hostetler at the helm.

Honorable Mention: Charlie Ane

Defense

Defensive Tackles: Darrel Russel and Mike Patterson—Before his legal issues and drug suspensions derailed his short, but impressive career, Russel was one of the NFL's best defensive tackles. He was the second pick in the 1997 draft and was an All-Pro in 1998 and 1999. Russel could have been a future Hall of Famer, if his career was not ruined by problems off the field. 

Patterson is far from the player Russel was, but he has been a solid starter for the Eagles during his first five seasons in the City of Brotherly Love.

Honorable Mentions: Dan Owens, Volney Peters, and Henry Schmidt

On The Rise: Sedrick Ellis

Defensive Ends: Willie McGinest and Red Badgro—During his days with the New England Patriots, McGinest played in four Super Bowls and recorded 78 sacks, third all-time in team history. He probably wont make it to Canton, but he was a great player during his career.

Red Badgro was the oldest player ever elected to the Hall of Fame at age 78 in 1981. He was a four time All-Pro and a two-way player (a receiver on offense) for the New York Giants and helped them win the 1934 NFL Championship game.

Honorable Mentions: Ed Henke, Gary Jeter, and William Gay

Outside Linebackers: Clay Matthews and Junior Seau—Clay Matthews played 19 seasons in the NFL and was among the best linebackers in the NFL during his days with the Cleveland Browns. He never played in a Super Bowl, but helped the Browns win five division titles.

Junior Seau is another former Trojan who just cant stop playing pro ball, he is currently in his 20th NFL season with the New England Patriots. However, he is best remembered for his days with the San Diego Chargers during the 1990's and early 2000's as one of the NFL's top tacklers. He went to 12 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1991-2002.

Honorable Mentions: Chip Banks, Rod Martin, Chris Claiborne, Jack Del Rio, and Richard Wood

On The Rise: Clay Matthews Jr., Brian Cushing, and Keith Rivers

Middle Linebacker: Lofa Totapu—Mosi's son is currently in his fifth season with the Seattle Seahawks. Lofa made the Pro Bowl during his first three seasons and helped the Seahawks reach Super Bowl XL. Totapu is one of the NFL's best inside linebackers and is on a career path that is heading straight towards Canton, Ohio.

Honorable Mention: Tim Rossovich

On The Rise: Rey Maualuga

Cornerbacks: Ronnie Lott and Lindon Crow—Although, Lott played most of his career at safety, he played his first five seasons at cornerback where he was equally as dangerous. Lott was one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history, no matter what position he played. He made the Pro Bowl at three diffrent positions and was a four time Super Bowl champion.

Crow led the NFL with 11 interceptions during the 1956 season and went to the Pro Bowl on three occasions. Jason Sehorn is more familiar with today's followers of the game, but he never domainted his position quite like Lindon Crow.

Honorable Mention: Brian Kelly, Jason Sehorn, and Dennis Thurman

Free Safety: Willie Wood—Wood played his entire 12 year career with the Green Bay Packers where he was a member of three NFL championship teams and two Super Bowl winning teams. Wood intercepted 48 passes in his career and helped Herb Adderly form one of the league's top secondaries during the 1960's.

Honorable Mention: Mark A. Carrier

Strong Safety: Troy Polamalu—In only his seventh NFL season, Polamalu has already established himself as one of the best safeties of all time and has helped the Steel Curtain recapture Super Bowl glory twice already. McDonald, Browner (the best of the three), and Smith were excellent players during their careers, but none of them ever achieved what Troy already has.

Honorable Mentoin: Tim McDonald, Joey Browner, Dennis Smith, and Sammy Knight

Special Teams

Kicker: Cole Ford—His first two seasons with the Oakland Raiders were noteworthy, but his career declined quickly. Ford played for only four seasons.

Punter: Glen Walker—He spent two years with the Los Angeles Rams and was their starter during his time there. Kicker and Punter are weak talent pools for USC, compared to the other positions.

Returner: Reggie Bush—Bush is not the same running back in New Orleans that he was in Los Angeles, but he has had success in New Orleans in this role. He also raced a Pepsi One machine during his rookie year and helped the Saints reach the NFC title game for the first time in franchise history.