In memoriam: Pete Adams, All-American tackle on USC’s 1972 national championship team
The three-year letterman adopted a stray dog named “Turd” who became an unofficial mascot for the dominant 1972 Trojan squad.
Pete Adams, an All-American offensive tackle on USC’s 1972 national championship team whose scruffy dog served as a popular mascot of that title squad, died on April 6 in Leucadia of natural causes. He was 67.
Adams was a three-year letterman from 1970 to 1972, winning All-American first team and All-Pac-8 first team honors as a senior.
During his senior year, Adams found a stray dog and named it Turd; the beloved mutt became the unofficial mascot of the 1972 Trojans, accompanying Adams to meetings, practices and games. That 1972 Trojan squad went 12-0, dominating teams so often that only one victory was closer than 10 points, and beat Ohio State in the Rose Bowl to claim the national crown. Adams was selected to play in the Hula Bowl, College All-Star Game and Coaches All-America Game.
He was a first-round pick in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns and played for them in 1974 and 1976, though injuries ultimately shortened his NFL career. He then worked in the restaurant and construction industries.
He came to USC from University of San Diego High School via San Diego City College.
Adams is survived by his sister, Ann; brother, Michael; their spouses; a nephew and several nieces. A memorial celebration will be held at 2 p.m. April 20 at the Encinitas Elks Lodge in Cardiff.
