Former USC Great, Linebacker Scott Ross Dies In Louisiana

scott.rossSad news to pass along this morning. A friend of former USC linebacker Scott Ross said the former Trojan great’s body was found in a church parking lot in Lafayette, La. Ross was well-known for his hard-nosed style of play and continued the once-proud tradition of the No. 35 for linebackers. He was 44.

In 2012, Ross field a lawsuit against the NFL and NFL Properties claiming he suffered head trauma playing for the New Orleans Saints in 1991.

The lawsuit said Ross had “severe memory loss, cognitive decline, dementia, and, on information and belief, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition caused by repetitive sub-concussive and/or concussive blows to the head.”

21 thoughts on “Former USC Great, Linebacker Scott Ross Dies In Louisiana

  1. It’s hard for me to keep my emotions in check- I’ve watched my brother and Nephew Scott over the years destroyed by injuries from football- cracked mind, unrelenting pain body, and shattered spirit. It’s the tragedy story playing behind the scenes- the ones fallen from the spotlight- they are honored on the field and in death BUT forgotten by the “leagues” when they are no longer a resource- they are homeless, suicidal, pumped up on pain pills- and limited health care so family foots the bills. Lost count of the suicides. Visit the “halfway houses” for ex football players. See the young mind with elderly dementia- the “ex-football” players who now walk with canes, humped over and need guardians & repeatedly ask “where are we going” on a 20 minute drive to the store. Forgotten “life” of the party. RIP Scott- Aunty loves you

  2. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Ross family. As a San Diegan, we grieved the loss of Junior Seau two years ago. Two very tough, talented LBs to come out of USC, and more questions on the long-term effects of CTE. May they both rest in peace.

  3. Come on, folks. You see the violent hits on t.v. You think they have no effect?

    A friend and I were dissecting some of the collisions over the weekend, and our conclusion: not 1 in a 1000 men could withstand those types of impacts. Of course, football, from high school and beyond, weeds out the “weak,” so only the incredible hucks continue on. And even they are not gods.

      • I moved to Lake Lorraine right down the street from Scott in 2004. He had two big flags out front of the house he built here. One LSU and one USC. Two of my kids were attending USC at the time and he once came over to visit. RIP SCOTT

  4. Where’s the “Village Idiot” with his “Dementia is some nasty stuff” comments?
    “Found in a Church Parking lot”…say’s a lot about this young mans frame of mind.
    Rest In Peace Good Man.

    • Scott was blessed that he was able to move close to his daughter and spent the past 3 months going to all her school functions, games, and just playing- he went to church every sunday. Yes, they make it sound rotten- but we assume he had just finished a service, got into his truck after service and went to sleep peacefully. The family was told his heart just stopped- someone thought he fell asleep in the parking lot. No conspiracy, no mystery- god took him home. He did what he needed- and always wanted- to spend everyday with his daughter who was the one who gave him that smile. I am Aunty- my brother is Scotts dad- so this is first hand info.

  5. I knew Scott from being a manager on the USC football for 3 years.
    That guy loved football. Seeing him hit guys in practice would make anyone think twice about joining the scout team. He gave his all at every practice and in every game. There must be a better way to protect great people, great players, from head trauma. Perhaps they could start with a weight limit. Boxing is a brutal sport, but they don’t allow 275 pound giants against 150 pound lightweights.
    I can hardly watch NFL football because it just seems more like a death match. RIP Scott.

    • Scott never had a bad word for the alumni or usc- he alwaus praised his coaches & staff & fellow players. The “best” time i f his life. the health problems started with the nfl- thank u for your words

  6. what, we just didn’t hear about the players from 40-50’s, not only
    no face mask, but a leather hat on head with no chin strap ?

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