The candid, never-before-heard history of the past 40 years of USC Trojans Football—whose storied alumni include O.J.Simpson, Reggie Bush, Keyshawn Johnson, and more—as told by the players and coaches who survived it
“The untold story behind USC’s success on the field and the scandal off it, from those who lived it day after day.”—Armen Keteyian, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tiger Woods and correspondent for 60 Minutes Sports
Over the years, USC has produced an almost unrivaled level of success: 11 national titles, 38 conference championships, 7 Heisman Trophy winners and 80 All-Americans, while also grooming countless NFL stars. From Todd Marinovich and Keyshawn Johnson to Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart, some of the greatest and most memorable college football players of all time have suited up for the Trojans. And under the leadership of legendary coaches like John Robinson and Pete Carroll, they’ve played in some of college football’s most celebrated big games.
At the same time, few big-time football programs are as tumultuous as USC. From battles with the NCAA to bitter internal conflicts between coaches, players, and administration and all-out brawls with hated rivals like Notre Dame, the Trojans’ dominance has often gone hand in hand with controversy.
In Cardinal and Gold, respected journalist Steve Delsohn tells the full and unvarnished story of the USC program at its best and worst. From the dynastic “Tailback U” years of the 1970s, to the dominance of the Carroll years, right through the upheaval of the modern era, Cardinal and Gold is a must-read for any fan of USC or major college football.
