Who is the best NFL player out of USC? Closer look at the Trojans who went to the pro league

USC has produced some of the greatest players to have ever played in the NFL. The Trojans are a storied program in the college football landscape and have a reputation for nurturing some of the best talents in the realm.

Over the years, a host of top talents from USC has made giant strides in the NFL. That includes the likes of Marcus Allen, O.J. Simpson, Anthony Munoz and Bruce Matthews. However, Ronnie Lott edges them out with his consistency and success in the league.

Lott started his college football career at USC in 1977 and played four seasons with the Trojans before transitioning to the professional stage. He was a first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 1981 and went on to replicate his college defensive brilliance in the NFL.

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Ronnie Lott NFL career roundup

Ronnie Lott was selected as the eighth overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1981 NFL Draft.

Following his strong career at USC, he became a starter in his rookie season in the NFL and played a crucial role in the 49ers Super Bowl win, finishing second for Rookie of the Year.

Lott went on to establish himself as one of the best defensive backs in the NFL over the next couple of years, recording significant success in the league. He played 14 seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Raiders, New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs

Ronnie Lott recorded 1,146 tackles, 63 interceptions, 16 forced fumbles and 17 fumble recoveries during his NFL career. He led the league in interceptions in 1986 and 1991, led the league in combined tackles in 1982 and co-led the league in forced fumbles in 1982.

Lott won the Super Bowl four times during the course of his NFL career, all coming in his first nine years with the 49ers. He was a 10-time Pro Bowler and made the First-team All-Pro eight times. He was also named to the NFL 1980s and 1990s All-Decade team.

The San Francisco 49ers retired Lott’s No. 42 jersey following his retirement from the NFL in 1995. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

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Ronnie Lott’s career at USC

Before his giant strides on the collegiate level, Ronnie Lott had a brilliant college football career at USC. He played for the Trojans from 1977 to 1980, establishing himself as a top defensive back.

Lott earned the First-team All-Pac-10 honor in 1979 and 1980 and a Second-team All-Pac-10 in 1979. He was a Unanimous All-American for his astonishing performances in the 1980 season. He also won the national championship with the Trojans in 1978.