A Young USC Fan's Recollection of a Fallen Trojan, Mosi Tatupu

Today it was reported that Mosi Tatupu, the great Trojan fullback and father of ex-USC linebacker Lofa, had died of unknown causes.

Mosi Tatupu was 54 years old.

Mosi Tatupu, who cleared the way for Anthony Davis on USC's national championship team of 1974 before becoming a feature back on his own, played for the Trojans from 1974-77 and lettered all four years of his Trojan career.

For me, a young man of 12 years of age at the time Tatupu began his Trojan career, Mosi Tatupu was the bulldozer that head coach John Mckay could always count on to clear a path when none was there.

Always, at least in my young mind, Mosi came through.

I recall sitting in front of my television with my father, who also has passed away, and yelling in rapt joy, singing the praises of our Trojans who were a juggernaut that year.

I also recall, like it was yesterday, that every time the Trojans were in goal-line situations, my father would state, not necessarily to me, in fact, to no one in particular, "give it to Mosi."

And most times the Trojans would.

And every time he would score...at least that's the way I recall it.

Whether or not he did score every time, and I am sure he didn't, it mattered not.

In that 12 year old's mind, Mosi Tatupu was a hero, a man among boys and a player who drew a father and his son closer together.

Now he is gone.

Ironically, Mosi Tatupu died at the same age my father did.

Much too young for legends to die...and both my father and Mosi Tatupu were indeed legends.

At least in my eyes.

I will take solace that Mosi Tatupu will live on in older Trojan fans memories, and for us, the joy that he brought in that magical year of 1974 will reside in our memories for as long as we shall live.

So thank you Mosi Tatupu.

May you rest in peace and my prayers and thoughts go out to your son Lofa, who carried on the proud Trojan tradition, and your wife whom you leave behind.

Say hello to the wily, old coach, John Mckay, for all of us who remember the sacrifice you and he made on the field and the pleasure your efforts brought us.

And say hello to my father as well, who I am sure will stop by to welcome you in that great place where good people go when their time here on earth is finished.