Donn Moomaw facts for kids
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Moomaw in 1951
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| No. 80 | |
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| Position: | Center Linebacker |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | October 15, 1931 Santa Ana, California, U.S. |
| Died: | February 10, 2025 (aged 93) Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight: | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Santa Ana |
| College: | UCLA |
| NFL Draft: | 1953 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9 |
| Career history | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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College Football Hall of Fame
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Donn Dement Moomaw (October 15, 1931 – February 10, 2025) was an American football player. He also became a Presbyterian minister. Moomaw played college football for the UCLA Bruins. He was a center and a linebacker for the team.
Donn Moomaw was chosen for the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973. He was also a pastor at the Bel Air Presbyterian Church. There, he became friends with Ronald Reagan, who was then the Governor of California. Moomaw gave the opening prayer at Reagan's inaugurations. This included his times as California governor and as President of the United States.
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Early Life and Education
Donn Dement Moomaw was born on October 15, 1931. His hometown was Santa Ana, California. He went to Santa Ana High School.
Donn Moomaw's Football Career
Moomaw played as a linebacker from 1950 to 1952. During these years, he was named an All-American twice. This made him the first UCLA player to achieve this honor. He was also named the most valuable player in both 1950 and 1952. In 1952, he was a co-captain of the team.
Playing for the Pros
The Los Angeles Rams picked Moomaw in the first round of the 1953 NFL draft. However, he decided not to play in the NFL. He did not want to play football on Sundays. Instead, Moomaw signed with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. He played seven games for the Argonauts in 1953. In 1955, he played two games for the Ottawa Rough Riders.
Football Honors and Legacy
UCLA retired Moomaw's jersey number, 80. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973. In 1984, he joined the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in its first year. UCLA still honors his football legacy. They give out the "Donn D. Moomaw Award" to the best defensive player in the USC game.
Donn Moomaw's Minister Career
Donn Moomaw became a Presbyterian minister. He was the pastor at Los Angeles' Bel Air Presbyterian Church. He served there from 1964 to 1993. During this time, he became good friends with California Governor Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy.
Moomaw gave the opening prayer at Reagan's inaugurations. This included his two terms as governor of California. He also gave the prayer at Reagan's 1981 presidential inauguration and 1985 presidential inauguration. His prayer in 1981 included a special request for the freedom of 52 Americans.
Personal Life and Passing
Donn Moomaw was married to Carol, who passed away before him. They had five children and ten grandchildren. He also served on the California State Board of Education from 1968 to 1972.
Donn Moomaw passed away in Pasadena, California. He died on February 10, 2025, at the age of 93.
