Matt Leinart reacts to death of Charles White

Former USC quarterback Matt Leinart recently reacted to the death of fellow Trojans legend Charles White.

White, who is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, won the Heisman Trophy in 1979. He died on Wednesday at the age of 64. According to an obituary from USC, White died of cancer that he had been battling.

Leinart also won the Heisman Trophy while at USC, more than two decades later, joining an exclusive club with White in the process. He took to Twitter, where he posted his condolences.

“RIP Charles White, a great Trojan. Fight on Forever!” Matt Leinart tweeted along with heart and prayer hand emojis.

RIP Charles White, a great Trojan. Fight on Forever! ❤️💛🙏

— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) January 12, 2023

During his time with USC, Charles White was a two-time All-American, rushing for 6,245 yards and 49 touchdowns. He was an absolute legend of a player there, before going on to play for both the Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL.

USC released a statement on Charles White

Following Charles White’s death, USC released a statement.

“He was the toughest player I’ve ever coached,” John Robinson, White’s former coach, said. “He was really unusual in that regard. He was a great player and just loved playing the game. Those are the things I remember the most. He was a really tough guy, and he was an extremely gifted athlete. But the toughness…wow.”

Current athletic director Mike Bohn also praised Charles White, saying that White is a legend and praising his legacy.

“Charles White was one of the all-time great Trojans. A Rose Bowl legend, a two-time unanimous All-American and a NCAA record setter, he made USC proud donning the Cardinal and Gold. He will always be remembered by the Trojan Family for the history he made on the football field and the legacy he left at Troy. Fight On Forever!”