Herb Lusk facts for kids

Herbert H. Lusk (born February 19, 1953 – died September 19, 2022) was an American football player. He was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for three seasons. Lusk played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976 to 1978. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Long Beach State 49ers.

Early Life and College Football

Herb Lusk was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on February 19, 1953. He went to Seaside High School in Seaside, California. After high school, he first studied at Monterey Peninsula College from 1972 to 1973.

He then moved to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He played football for the 49ers in 1974 and 1975. During his final year, he started a special tradition. He would pray after scoring a touchdown.

In his senior year, Lusk was a top player. He led his college conference in many areas. These included touchdowns (16), points (96), and rushing yards (1596). He was chosen by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1976 NFL Draft.

Playing in the NFL

Lusk started his NFL career with the Eagles on September 12, 1976. He was 23 years old. His first game was against the Dallas Cowboys. In his third game, he made a mistake. He fumbled the ball, which means he dropped it, near the end of the first half. This led to his team losing their lead.

During his first year, he played in 14 games. He gained 254 rushing yards. He also caught 13 passes for 119 receiving yards.

In 1977, Lusk made history. On October 9, 1977, he became the first NFL player to kneel in the endzone after a touchdown and pray. This special act earned him the nickname "The Praying Tailback." That season, he scored two more touchdowns. He also had 229 rushing yards and 102 receiving yards in 11 games.

Lusk played only 3 games in his last NFL year. He retired from football at age 26 in July 1979. He decided to become a minister.

Life After Football

After leaving football, Herb Lusk continued his education. He studied theology at Gwynedd Mercy University and Reformed Episcopal Seminary. In 1982, he became the pastor of the Greater Exodus Baptist Church in Philadelphia.

Under his leadership, the church grew a lot. It went from 27 members to over 1,500 by 2006. Lusk also served as the team chaplain for his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Lusk was a supporter of the Republican Party. He gave the opening prayer, called an invocation, at their national meeting in 2000. His church also received money to help people in Philadelphia who had low incomes. He also spoke at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in 2015.

Herb Lusk was honored for his achievements. He was added to the CSULB Hall of Fame in 2005. He was also recognized in MPC's Lobo Hall of Fame.

Lusk passed away on September 19, 2022, at his home in Philadelphia. He was 69 years old and had been battling cancer.