The countdown to the University of Southern California’s 2025 football season has begun, with the Trojans set to start their campaign in 55 days. As part of a new series, USC is highlighting notable players who have worn each jersey number. The focus today is on the “55 Club,” a group of four Trojan linebackers known for wearing the iconic No. 55.
Junior Seau was the first to don the No. 55 in Cardinal and Gold. Despite playing only two seasons at USC, Seau became a legend by recording 19 sacks in 1989 and earning unanimous All-American honors. That year, he led the Trojans to a Pac-10 title and a Rose Bowl victory over Michigan. Seau later had a Hall of Fame NFL career, marked by 12 consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1991 to 2002. He passed away in 2012 due to suicide linked to CTE from his football career.
Following Seau’s departure for the NFL in 1990, Willie McGinest took over as No. 55.
Seau’s professional achievements include being an eight-time All-Pro selection with 18 interceptions and 56 sacks as a linebacker. He is also remembered for his performance in the 1994 AFC Championship Game, where he played despite a pinched nerve in his neck and helped lead the Chargers to their first Super Bowl appearance.
Information from this article can be found here.
