Daily Dose of Crimson Tide: Johnny Musso

Need your fix of Alabama sports? BamaCentral has you covered with popular running back Johnny Musso

Alabama Athletics

They called him the “Italian Stallion,” but Johnny Musso was the kind of football player who invoked words like “gritty,” “drive,” “determination,” and “chutzpah.”

He also embodied the word: “class.”

The running back who grew up in the Birmingham area was one of those rare players who had exceptional brains and brawn. Not only was he a two-time All-American, but a two-time Academic All-American as well, and who was really Crimson through and through.

“I grew up sneaking into Legion Field to see Alabama play,” Musso once told Alabama Illustrated. “I vividly remember Joe Namath’s first varsity game. I remember Kenny Stabler running down the sideline in the rain and mud against Auburn. I remember Lee Roy Jordan chasing down a running back and intimidating without even hitting.

“I really appreciate the people who have contributed to this legacy and the tradition that has been passed down, and the people who have continued it, the goal-line stand and Van Tiffin’s kick and all those memories of people who have carried on the tradition of Alabama football. I really feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be part of the tradition of Alabama football.”

Although Musso led the Southeastern Conference in rushing in 1970 (when he also accumulated 221 rushing yards against Auburn), he’s better known for the 1971 season (when he scored four touchdowns against Florida), when he topped the league again.

His senior numbers of 191 carries for 1,088 yards only told part of the story because Musso was also a devastating blocker. He led the conference in scoring (100 points), and helped the Crimson Tide to an 11-1 finish and SEC championship.

That season was also well remembered by Alabama fans for the first meeting against Auburn when both teams were undefeated. The Tide won easily, 31-7, and even though Tigers quarterback Pat Sullivan would go on to win the Heisman Trophy, he would have to share Southeastern Conference player of the year honors with his friend from the rival school.

Musso placed fourth in Heisman voting, but was named Player of the Year by Football News, the Miami Touchdown Club, and the Touchdown Club of Atlanta. 

He received the National Football Foundation scholarship, and the American Football Coaches Association gave him the Ernie Davis Award, presented annually to a football player, past or present, who exemplifies Davis’ qualities of “excellence of character and integrity, and service to mankind.”

When he left the Capstone, Musso held the school records for career rushing (2,742 yards), and rushing touchdowns (34), which stood for nearly three decades.

After a short professional career in the Canadian League (1972-74) and with the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (1973-75), Musso settled in the Chicago area and began a business career. He became president of a commodities firm, and a deacon in the Baptist Church of Hinsdale, Illinois, serving in youth ministry and working with inner-city citizens. 

Some of this post originated from "100 Things Crimson tide Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die," published by Triumph Books