Jerry Stovall, a highly decorated football figure who achieved All-America honors as a player for Louisiana State University (LSU) and later served as the Tigers' head coach, passed away on Monday at the age of 85. The university confirmed his death, stating he died in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The cause of death was not disclosed by LSU. Stovall's passing marks the end of a life deeply intertwined with the sport, particularly with the LSU program, spanning over six decades.
"Under the circumstances, he was my only choice. Jerry Stovall is LSU through-and-through." Paul Dietzel, Former LSU Athletic Director
Born in West Monroe, Louisiana, Stovall established himself as one of LSU's most versatile players during his three seasons with the Tigers from 1960 to 1962. His exceptional talent across multiple facets of the game earned him the moniker "Mr. Everything." He contributed significantly on offense, defense, and special teams, showcasing a rare breadth of skill. Throughout his collegiate playing career, Stovall accumulated 1,081 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, complemented by 452 receiving yards and an additional touchdown. His prowess extended to special teams, where he gained nearly 700 return yards, and to defense, where he intercepted seven passes.
The 1962 season stood out as the pinnacle of his collegiate achievements. Stovall garnered All-America recognition and was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year. He also came remarkably close to capturing college football's most prestigious individual award, finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting behind Oregon State quarterback Terry Baker. His outstanding performance at LSU positioned him as a top prospect for professional football.
Following his collegiate success, Stovall was selected with the second overall pick in the 1963 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. This marked the beginning of a nine-season professional career where he primarily played safety and also handled punting duties. During his time in the NFL, Stovall appeared in 97 games, starting 90, and established himself as one of the league's premier defensive backs. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, earning the honor after the 1966, 1967, and 1969 seasons. His 1966 performance also earned him Second Team All-Pro recognition. He concluded his professional career with 18 interceptions, including a career-high four during the 1967 season.
After retiring from professional play, Stovall returned to LSU, the institution where his football journey began. He joined the coaching staff as an assistant under long-tenured head coach Charles McClendon. Stovall's elevation to head coach in 1980 came under unexpected circumstances. LSU had initially hired Bo Rein to succeed McClendon, but Rein tragically died in a plane crash in January 1980 before he could coach a single game for the Tigers. Stovall was subsequently appointed to lead the program. Paul Dietzel, then LSU's athletic director, praised Stovall at the time, describing him as "young, tough, aggressive, articulate" and commending his recruiting ability and integrity. Dietzel stated, "Under the circumstances, he was my only choice. Jerry Stovall is LSU through-and-through."
Stovall helmed the Tigers for four seasons, compiling a record of 22-21-2. His most successful campaign occurred in 1982, when LSU achieved an 8-3-1 record and secured a berth in the Orange Bowl. This performance earned Stovall the distinction of being named the Walter Camp Foundation's national coach of the year. Despite the success of the 1982 season, the team struggled the following year, and Stovall's tenure as head coach concluded after the 1983 season.
Nevertheless, his connection to the LSU football program remained historically significant. Stovall was only the third former LSU football player to later become the program's head coach, and he remains the most recent former Tiger to hold that position. His enduring contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Throughout his extensive career, Jerry Stovall occupied virtually every major role in football, from an All-American college star and NFL standout to an assistant coach and head coach. His life demonstrated a profound and lasting association with the sport, leaving behind a legacy that spans more than six decades and cements his place among LSU's most accomplished figures.
