Jerry Stovall (1941-2026) American Football Player and Coach

Who Was Jerry Stovall?

Jerry Stovall was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He was one of the greatest athletes in LSU history and a beloved figure in Louisiana football for more than six decades.

Stovall played college football for the LSU Tigers from 1960 to 1962, where he succeeded Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon as the team's halfback. He was a unanimous All-American in 1962, won the Walter Camp Memorial Trophy as the nation's best back, was named SEC Player of the Year, and finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. He played professionally as a safety and punter for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1963 to 1971, making three Pro Bowls along the way.

After his playing career, Stovall became a college football assistant coach and eventually served as the head coach at LSU from 1980 to 1983. He later worked as the athletic director at Louisiana Tech University from 1990 to 1994 and as the president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation. He died on August 31, 2026, at the age of 85, and was buried at Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Jerry Stovall Cause of Death

Jerry Stovall died on August 31, 2026, at the age of 85. A specific cause of death was not publicly disclosed by his family. He passed away peacefully after a long and distinguished career in football as a player, coach, and administrator.

His death was reported by ON3 and other outlets, and it prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the football world. Former teammates, players he coached, and fans of LSU football remembered him as one of the greatest athletes the state of Louisiana has ever produced.

He was buried at Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, USA, returning to the town where he was born and raised. It was a fitting final resting place for a man who had never forgotten his roots.

Early Life and College

Jerry Stovall was born on April 30, 1941, in West Monroe, Louisiana. He was raised in West Monroe and graduated from West Monroe High School in 1959. It was there that he first made a name for himself as a talented and versatile athlete, qualities that would define his entire career.

He played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, succeeding Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon as the Tigers' halfback. Stovall served a multitude of roles for the Tigers, including running back, defensive back, return specialist, and punter. His primary position was left halfback, which in the days of one-platoon football was both a running back and defensive back.

His 57-yard run in 1961 helped LSU defeat arch-rival Ole Miss by a score of 10-7 in a major upset. It was one of the most memorable plays of his college career and helped cement his reputation as a big-game player.

Stovall was a unanimous choice for the All-America team of 1962 at halfback. He won the Walter Camp Memorial Trophy as the nation's best back, was named SEC Player of the Year, and was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. He finished 89 votes behind Oregon State's Terry Baker.

Professional Career

Stovall was the second overall pick in the first round of the 1963 NFL draft, selected by the St. Louis Cardinals. He was also the third overall pick of the 1963 American Football League draft. The Cardinals converted him to full-time defensive back, and he quickly established himself as one of the top rookies in the league in 1963.

During his nine seasons with St. Louis, Stovall had 18 interceptions in 97 games and was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1966, 1967, and 1969 seasons. He was also named Second-team All-Pro in 1966. His combination of speed, intelligence, and physicality made him one of the most respected defensive backs of his era.

Coaching Career

After his NFL career, Stovall became a college football assistant coach. He eventually returned to LSU as an assistant for head coach Charlie McClendon. Stovall became LSU's head coach as an emergency hire after new head coach Bo Rein died when his plane depressurized and disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean. It was a tragic and difficult circumstance in which to take over a program, but Stovall handled it with dignity and grace.

In Stovall's four years with the Tigers (1980-1983), LSU finished 7-4, 3-7-1, 8-3-1, and 4-7. Only one of Stovall's teams appeared in the final AP Poll: the 1982 team. That team finished the season ranked No. 11 after it beat No. 4 Florida, No. 8 Alabama, and No. 7 Florida State and earned a spot in the Orange Bowl, where LSU lost 21-20 to a No. 3 Nebraska team led by Tom Osborne.

As a result of his performance in 1982, Stovall was named the national coach of the year by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, as well as the SEC Coach of the Year. It was the high point of his coaching career.

In 1983, Stovall's success of 1982 came unraveled. The Tigers went 0-6 in the SEC, including a 45-26 loss at home to Mississippi State, leaving Stovall 0-4 for his career against the Bulldogs. Stovall had a 2-2 record against Tulane, and the Tigers suffered their only home loss to Tulane since 1948 while Stovall was head coach.

Stovall's dismissal by athletic director Bob Brodhead was approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors on December 2, 1983.

Administration

After his head coaching stint at LSU, Stovall went on to take a job in banking before becoming athletic director at Louisiana Tech University from 1990 to 1994. It was a new chapter in his career, and he approached it with the same dedication and professionalism that had defined his playing and coaching days.

Afterwards, Stovall became the president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation, an organization dedicated to securing sporting events for the Baton Rouge area. He remained active in the sports community throughout his later years, and his contributions to Louisiana athletics were widely recognized and appreciated.

Head Coaching Record

Jerry Stovall's head coaching record at LSU reflects both the highs and lows of his four seasons in charge of the Tigers.

#Rankings from final Coaches Poll. °Rankings from final AP Poll.

Awards and Highlights

Jerry Stovall received numerous awards and honors throughout his career as a player and coach.

• Second-team All-Pro (1966)
• 3× Pro Bowl (1966, 1967, 1969)
• Unanimous All-American (1962)
• SEC Player of the Year (1962)
• 2× First-team All-SEC (1961, 1962)
• LSU Tigers No. 21 retired
• Walter Camp Memorial Trophy (1962)
• National Coach of the Year by Walter Camp Football Foundation (1982)
• SEC Coach of the Year (1982)
• College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2010)

NFL Statistics

Jerry Stovall's NFL career statistics reflect a player who excelled on defense and special teams for nearly a decade.

Tributes and Legacy

Following the announcement of Jerry Stovall's death, tributes poured in from across the football world. Former teammates at LSU and the St. Louis Cardinals, players he coached, and fans of Louisiana football remembered him as one of the greatest athletes the state has ever produced.

Stovall's legacy is one of excellence and versatility. He is the only player in LSU history to be named a unanimous All-American (1962), be selected to the College Football Hall of Fame (2010), be selected as a first round pick (1963), and be selected to the Pro Bowl (1966, 1967, and 1969). It is a remarkable achievement that speaks to his extraordinary talent and his lasting impact on the game.

He was a beloved figure in Louisiana football and in the communities he served throughout his long career. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Frequently Asked Questions: Jerry Stovall

Who was Jerry Stovall?

Jerry Lane Stovall (April 30, 1941 – August 31, 2026), nicknamed "Mr. Everything," was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He played college football for the LSU Tigers, where he was a unanimous All-American in 1962. He played professionally as a safety and punter for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1963 to 1971. He later served as head coach at LSU from 1980 to 1983 and as athletic director at Louisiana Tech University from 1990 to 1994.

How did Jerry Stovall die?

Jerry Stovall died on August 31, 2026, at the age of 85. His death was reported by ON3 and other outlets. A specific cause of death was not publicly disclosed by his family.

What was Jerry Stovall's cause of death?

Jerry Stovall died on August 31, 2026, at the age of 85. A specific cause of death was not publicly disclosed. He passed away peacefully after a long and distinguished career in football as a player, coach, and administrator.

Where was Jerry Stovall buried?

Jerry Stovall was buried at Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, USA. He was laid to rest in his hometown, where he had grown up and graduated from West Monroe High School in 1959.

What was Jerry Stovall famous for?

Jerry Stovall was famous for being one of the greatest football players in LSU history. He was a unanimous All-American in 1962, won the Walter Camp Memorial Trophy as the nation's best back, was named SEC Player of the Year, and was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. He is the only player in LSU history to be named a unanimous All-American, be selected to the College Football Hall of Fame, be selected as a first round pick, and be selected to the Pro Bowl.

Where was Jerry Stovall born?

Jerry Stovall was born on April 30, 1941, in West Monroe, Louisiana. He was raised in West Monroe and graduated from West Monroe High School in 1959. He then attended Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge.

What was Jerry Stovall's college career like?

Jerry Stovall played college football at LSU from 1960 to 1962, succeeding Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon as the Tigers' halfback. He served a multitude of roles for the Tigers, including running back, defensive back, return specialist, and punter. In 1962, he was a unanimous All-American at halfback, won the Walter Camp Memorial Trophy, was named SEC Player of the Year, and was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, finishing 89 votes behind Oregon State's Terry Baker.

When was Jerry Stovall drafted?

Jerry Stovall was the second overall pick in the first round of the 1963 NFL draft, selected by the St. Louis Cardinals. He was also the third overall pick of the 1963 American Football League draft.

What was Jerry Stovall's NFL career like?

Jerry Stovall played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1963 to 1971. The Cardinals converted him to full-time defensive back. During his nine seasons with St. Louis, Stovall had 18 interceptions in 97 games and was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1966, 1967, and 1969 seasons. He was also a second-team All-Pro in 1966.

When was Jerry Stovall the head coach at LSU?

Jerry Stovall served as the head football coach at LSU from 1980 to 1983, compiling a record of 22 wins, 21 losses, and 2 ties in four seasons. He was hired as an emergency replacement after new head coach Bo Rein died when his plane depressurized and disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean.

What was Jerry Stovall's best season as LSU coach?

Jerry Stovall's best season as LSU coach was 1982, when the Tigers finished 8-3-1 and ranked No. 11 in the final AP Poll. That team beat No. 4 Florida, No. 8 Alabama, and No. 7 Florida State and earned a spot in the Orange Bowl, where LSU lost 21-20 to a No. 3 Nebraska team led by Tom Osborne. As a result of his performance in 1982, Stovall was named the national coach of the year by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, as well as the SEC Coach of the Year.

What did Jerry Stovall do after coaching at LSU?

After his head coaching stint at LSU, Jerry Stovall took a job in banking before becoming athletic director at Louisiana Tech University from 1990 to 1994. Afterwards, he became the president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation, an organization dedicated to securing sporting events for the Baton Rouge area.

What awards did Jerry Stovall receive?

Jerry Stovall received numerous awards during his career, including Second-team All-Pro (1966), 3-time Pro Bowl selections (1966, 1967, 1969), Unanimous All-American (1962), SEC Player of the Year (1962), 2-time First-team All-SEC (1961, 1962), and his LSU Tigers No. 21 was retired. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

How old was Jerry Stovall when he died?

Jerry Stovall was 85 years old when he died on August 31, 2026. He was born on April 30, 1941, in West Monroe, Louisiana. He had celebrated his 85th birthday just four months before his death.

What was Jerry Stovall's nickname?

Jerry Stovall's nickname was "Mr. Everything." The nickname reflected his versatility and his importance to the LSU Tigers, for whom he served as a running back, defensive back, return specialist, and punter.

What was Jerry Stovall's head coaching record?

Jerry Stovall's head coaching record at LSU was 22 wins, 21 losses, and 2 ties, for a winning percentage of .511. In SEC play, he compiled a record of 9 wins, 13 losses, and 2 ties.

What was Jerry Stovall's connection to the Orange Bowl?

Jerry Stovall led the 1982 LSU Tigers to an appearance in the 1983 Orange Bowl, where they lost 21-20 to a No. 3 Nebraska team led by Tom Osborne. It was the only bowl game appearance of his head coaching career at LSU.

What was Jerry Stovall's legacy?

Jerry Stovall's legacy is one of excellence and versatility. He is the only player in LSU history to be named a unanimous All-American, be selected to the College Football Hall of Fame, be selected as a first round pick, and be selected to the Pro Bowl. He was a beloved figure in Louisiana football and was remembered by fans and former players as one of the greatest athletes the state has ever produced.