Look: USC football honors Sam Cunningham with No. 39 helmet decal
USC football honored Trojan great Sam Cunningham ahead of their game against Stanford with a helmet sticker boasting his number and nickname.
Former USC football fullback and College Football Hall of Famer Sam Cunningham sadly passed away this week.
The Trojans made sure to honor him on Saturday with a helmet decal.
Forever in our hearts, #️⃣3️⃣9️⃣. pic.twitter.com/Nk0olad71M
— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) September 12, 2021
No. 39 was the number Cunningham starred in at USC. Sam “Bam” was his nickname thanks to his physical style.
USC only retires the numbers of Heisman Trophy winners, but No. 39 still should hold a special place in the heart of everyone in the program this season and beyond.
Sam “Bam” Cunningham was a USC football legend
Cunningham was a Trojan legend and one of the great backs in program history, particularly near the goal line.
USC also plans to recognize Cunningham before kickoff against Stanford on Saturday night.
If you’re coming to the game today, please get in your seats early so we can honor the late, great Sam “Bam” Cunningham together before kickoff. #FightOnForever pic.twitter.com/IrPSappvzh
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 11, 2021
College football fans at large may remember him most for his role in helping to desegregate football in the south.
His outstanding performance against Alabama, along with the rest of USC’s all-Black backfield, helped Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide move forward to welcome African-American players on their team.
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