MCKEEVER DIES FROM FALL, INJURY FORMER STAR WITH USC, RAMS WAS 66.

Byline: Staff and Wire Services

Marlin McKeever, a two-time All-American at USC, 13-year NFL player and one of the most heralded athletes in Southern California sports history, died Friday of head injuries from a fall at his home in Long Beach earlier this week. He was 66.

McKeever died at St. Mary Medical Center with his family at his bedside after life support was turned off, according to a hospital representative.

After hearing about the accident Thursday, USC coach Pete Carroll left the campus and drove to the hospital.

``We'll sorely miss him,'' Carroll said after practice Thursday, realizing McKeever would likely not survive long.

McKeever headed the Trojan Football Alumni Club and, with former coach Marv Goux, became close friends with Carroll shortly after USC hired him in 2001.

``He and Marv were the connection to the past,'' Carroll said. ``They were the guys that taught me the history of the program. (Mc- Keever) was so well known and loved and an awesome supporter of the program.''

McKeever fell at his home late Tuesday, and was hospitalized Wednesday with a blood clot on his brain.

As a fullback, defensive end and punter at USC from 1958-60, McKeever was the Trojans' leading receiver in his junior and senior years, three-times All-Conference and an Academic All-American.

But he became a linebacker and tight end for the Los Angeles Rams from 1961-66, the team that made him a first-round NFL draft choice. He was All-Pro in '66.

McKeever also played with Minnesota (1967), Washington (1968-70) and Philadelphia (1973). Upon his retirement, he became a stock broker and insurance executive.

McKeever also lettered twice in track at USC in the shot put and discus.

McKeever's twin brother, Mike, was a star left guard at USC. Mike McKeever died in 1967 of head injuries from an automobile accident after spending 22 months in a coma.

Both Mike and Marlin were inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.

``You have to understand, Marlin McKeever wasn't born, he was chiseled,'' said John Papadakis, a linebacker at USC from 1968-72. ``He's like the rocks in the walls of Troy, that was his nature. He was my hero growing up. Marlin and Mike, they were like icons.''

Marlin McKeever is survived by his wife, Judy, and his four children: Marlin Jr., Kellee, David and Michelle. His niece, Teri McKeever, was an All-American swimmer at USC who is now the head women's swimming coach at California.

There was was no immediate announcement regarding funeral or memorial services.

The family issued a statement through the hospital announcing McKeever's death and saying it had been ``overwhelmed by the love, support and prayers received in the last few days.''

The family said in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to any of the following organizations in memory of Marlin McKeever: The High Hopes Head Trauma Center, 2953 Edinger, Tustin, 92780; Crespi Carmelite High School, 5031 Alonzo Ave., Encino, 91316; the St.Mary Medical Center Foundation, Marlin McKeever Head Trauma Fund, 1050 Linden Ave., Long Beach, 90813, or Marv Goux, c/o USC Athletics, University Park Center, Los Angeles.

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McKEEVER 1940-2006