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 and a Presbyterian minister. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins as a center and linebacker. Moomaw was later elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
He was also known for being 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 (called an invocation) at Reagan's inaugurations as both 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, in Santa Ana, California. He grew up in Santa Ana and attended Santa Ana High School.
Football Achievements
Donn Moomaw was a talented football player. He played as a linebacker for the UCLA Bruins from 1950 to 1952. During his time at UCLA, he was named an All-American twice. This means he was recognized as one of the best college football players in the country. He was the first player in UCLA history to achieve this honor.
Moomaw was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his team in both 1950 and 1952. In 1952, he was a co-captain of the team.
Professional Football Opportunities
In 1953, the Los Angeles Rams picked Moomaw in the first round of the NFL draft. However, he decided not to play in the NFL. He explained that 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. Later, in 1955, he played two games for the Ottawa Rough Riders.
Legacy at UCLA
Donn Moomaw's jersey number, 80, was retired by the UCLA football team. This is a special honor given to very important players. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973. In 1984, he was also inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in its very first year.
His impact on UCLA football continues today. There is an award named after him: the "Donn D. Moomaw Award for Outstanding Defensive Player in USC Game."
Ministerial Career
After his football career, Donn Moomaw became a Presbyterian minister. He was the pastor of the Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles from 1964 to 1993.
During this time, he became good friends with Ronald Reagan, who was the California Governor, and his wife, Nancy. Moomaw was asked to give the opening prayer (invocation) at Reagan's inaugurations. He gave the invocation when Reagan became governor of California in 1967 and 1971. Later, he also gave the invocation at Reagan's presidential inauguration in 1981 and his second presidential inauguration in 1985. At the 1981 inauguration, his prayer included a special request for freedom for 52 Americans.
Personal Life and Later Years
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, on February 10, 2025. He was 93 years old.
