Ells Kissinger, Former USC Captain and Quarterback, Dies

KISSINGERElls Kissinger, who kicked a memorable field goal to beat UCLA in 1956 and played in the 1955 Rose Bowl, died on April 12 of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 79.

Kissinger played quarterback in 1956 when USC went 8-2. But the play he is best remembered for is from the above photo. He kicked a fourth-quarter field goal that turned out to be the difference in USC’s 10-7 victory over UCLA. It was USC’s first-ever field goal against UCLA in the then 27-year-old series. He also rushed for 79 yards in 11 carries.

5 thoughts on “Ells Kissinger, Former USC Captain and Quarterback, Dies

    • Yup….and nobody has heard from “OTIS”….He seems like one tough HOMBRE….but “the bottle” has brought down a lot on men!
      fite UN!

  1. Ellsworth Kissinger,one of those SC names one never forgets,and my brother and I watched him kick that field goal,he was a pretty fair q/b too…had Jaguar Jon and CR ROBERTS,who was something else as a fullback…it was a good year on the line too,remember these guys ,at least most, played offense and defense,Jess Hill coached team.

Comments are closed.