Jon Arnett, star college and NFL running back, dies at 85

Jon Arnett, one of Sourn California’s greatest running backs who went on to become a five-time Pro Bowl player for Los Angeles Rams, has died. He was 85.

USC said Monday that Arnett died Saturday of heart failure in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Arnett earned nickname “Jaguar Jon” for his acrobatic agility and elusiveness running ball that he honed as a youth gymnast. He lettered at USC from 1954-56. He earned All-American and All-Pacific Coast Conference first-team hors as a junior. He received Voit Trophy as West Coast's most outstanding player.

In 1955, Arnett led Trojans in rushing (672 yards), total offense (822 yards), scoring (108 points), kickoff returns (418 yards) and punt returns (282 yards). He also completed 12 passes for 150 yards.

As a senior co-captain playing just half of 1956 season, Arnett rushed for 625 yards and led Trojans in scoring (43 points). He played in College All-Star Game, East-West Shrine Game and Hula Bowl.

Arnett still ranks in USC’s career top 25 lists for rushing (1,898 yards), punt returns (430 yards) and kickoff returns (430 yards). He was inducted into College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

Rams made Arnett second pick of 1957 NFL draft and he played with team until 1963. He was a Pro Bowl selection in his first five years and was an All-Pro in 1958 when he led NFL in punt return yard. He still holds Rams’ record for longest kickoff return (105 yards).

Arnett played for Chicago Bears from 1964-66.

He and his wife, Jane, founded Retired Professional Athlete Association in 2005 to advocate on behalf of retired football players and ir families.

Besides his wife, he is survived by son Matt, and daughters Kristen and Kimberly.

Im credits: AP