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Legendary College Football Star Died On Monday At 93 Years Old

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Feb 11, 2025 6:52 PM ET

Former UCLA football star and College Football Hall of Famer Donn Moomaw passed away on Monday.

Moomaw was 93. The first two-time All-American in UCLA history, he starred for the Bruins on both sides of the ball from 1950-52. Moomaw was also inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in its inaugural class in 1984, and his No. 80 jersey was retired by the program.

The National Football Foundation confirmed Moomaw's death on Tuesday afternoon.

"Donn Moomaw was a true giant in the game of football, not just for his dominance on the field at UCLA, but for the extraordinary life he led beyond the game," NFF Chairman Archie Manning confirmed in a statement Tuesday. "A two-time All-American and a member of the inaugural Academic All-America Hall of Fame class, he embodied the highest ideals of the scholar-athlete. His remarkable journey—from the gridiron to a life of service in the ministry—speaks to his deep character and unwavering commitment to others. We are extremely saddened by his passing, and we send our condolences to his family, friends, and the UCLA community."

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 29: General view during the game between the California Golden Bears and the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl on October 29, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

A 6-foot-4, 220-pound center and linebacker, Moonaw was a first-team All-American in 1950, second-team All-American in 1951 and consensus All-American in 1952. He was also a three-time All-Pacific Coast Conference first-team selection.

A first-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1953, Moonaw eventually placed his football career on hold to pursue ministry. He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1957 and added a doctor of divinity front Stirling College in 1968.

While obtaining his degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, Moonaw played in the CFL. He would later become friendly with Ronald Reagan, saying the invocation at his 1967 and 1971 gubernatorial inaugurations in California and both of his presidential inaugurations in 1981 and 1985.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Moonaw's friends and family during this difficult time.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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