In Memoriam: Leon Clarke, 76
October 9, 2009 10:01 AM
- Leon Clarke
Leon Clarke '55, an all-league end who led USC in receiving in 1954 and 1955 and was a member of the Trojans’ 1955 Rose Bowl team before playing in the National Football League for eight years, died Oct. 5 in Los Alamitos of pancreatitis. He was 76.
Clarke, who prepped at Venice (Calif.) High, lettered three years (1953-55) at USC. He led the Trojans in receiving as both a junior and senior, earning All-Pacific Coast Conference honors in 1955.
He played in the East-West Shrine Game, Hula Bowl and College All-Star Game after his senior season.
Clarke was a second-round NFL draft pick (14th overall selection) by the Los Angeles Rams in 1956 and played with the Rams (1956-59), Cleveland Browns (1960-62) and Minnesota Vikings (1963). In his NFL career, he caught 141 passes for 2,215 yards (15.7 average) with 18 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl in 1956 and 1957.
After his playing career, Clarke entered private business.
Clarke is survived by his wife, Mitzi; sons Christopher, Curtis and Kerry; and step-daughters India, Sandy and Tonya, as well as numerous grandchildren.
TAGS: sports
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