Jerry Stovall was an American football player, coach and college athletics administrator who was one of the most beloved and legendary figures in the history of LSU athletics. A unanimous All-American as a player for the LSU Tigers, he finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and went on to a distinguished professional career in the National Football League as a three-time Pro Bowler. He later returned to his alma mater as head coach, earning National Coach of the Year honours, and served as an athletic administrator, remaining a cherished ambassador for LSU and the Baton Rouge community. Nicknamed “Mr. Everything,” he died on 31 August 2026 at the age of 85.
Jerry Stovall Biography, Wiki
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Jerry Lane Stovall |
| Nickname | Mr. Everything |
| Date of Birth | 30 April 1941 |
| Date of Death | 31 August 2026 (aged 85) |
| Birthplace | West Monroe, Louisiana, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Positions | Halfback, safety, punter |
| College | LSU (1960 to 1962) |
| NFL Team | St. Louis Cardinals (1963 to 1971) |
| Head Coach | LSU (1980 to 1983) |
| Hall of Fame | College Football Hall of Fame (2010) |
Jerry Stovall Details
| Area | Detail |
| College | A unanimous All-American at LSU in 1962 |
| Honours | SEC Player of the Year and Heisman runner-up in 1962 |
| NFL draft | The second overall pick in the 1963 NFL Draft |
| NFL | A three-time Pro Bowler with the St. Louis Cardinals |
| Coaching | Head coach at LSU from 1980 to 1983 |
| Administration | Athletic director at Louisiana Tech |
Jerry Stovall Events
| Year | Event |
| 30 April 1941 | Born in West Monroe, Louisiana |
| 1960 to 1962 | Starred for the LSU Tigers |
| 1962 | Unanimous All-American and Heisman runner-up |
| 1963 | Drafted second overall by the St. Louis Cardinals |
| 1963 to 1971 | Played nine seasons in the NFL |
| 1980 to 1983 | Served as head coach at LSU |
| 31 August 2026 | Died at the age of 85 |
Jerry Stovall Early Life
Jerry Stovall was born Jerry Lane Stovall on 30 April 1941 in West Monroe, Louisiana. He grew up in the state and attended West Monroe High School, where he excelled as an athlete and established himself as a promising young football talent. His standout high-school performances earned him the opportunity to play college football at Louisiana State University, beginning a lifelong association with the school that would define his career and legacy.
Jerry Stovall College Career
Jerry Stovall became one of the greatest players in LSU football history during his collegiate career from 1960 to 1962. A versatile halfback who could also punt and play defence, earning him the nickname “Mr. Everything,” he was a two-time first-team All-SEC selection and, in 1962, a unanimous All-American and the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year. That season he also won the Walter Camp Memorial Trophy and finished as the runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting, cementing his place among the finest Tigers of his era. His jersey number 21 was later retired by LSU in his honour.
Jerry Stovall Professional Career
Jerry Stovall enjoyed a successful professional career in the National Football League. He was selected with the second overall pick in the 1963 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, and he spent nine seasons with the team from 1963 to 1971, playing as a safety and punter. Over his NFL career he was named to three Pro Bowls and earned second-team All-Pro honours, recording 18 interceptions and serving as a reliable punter, and he established himself as a respected and accomplished professional player before returning to the coaching ranks.
Jerry Stovall Coaching and Administrative Career
Jerry Stovall as LSU Head Coach
Jerry Stovall returned to his alma mater as a coach, first serving as an assistant under Charles McClendon before being elevated to head coach of the LSU Tigers in 1980, following the tragic death of the previously hired coach Bo Rein in a plane crash. He led the programme for four seasons, compiling a record of 22 wins, 21 losses and 2 ties. His finest season came in 1982, when he guided LSU to an appearance in the Orange Bowl and was named the National Coach of the Year, a signal achievement of his coaching tenure.
Jerry Stovall as an Administrator
Jerry Stovall continued to serve college athletics after his head-coaching career concluded. In 1990 he was appointed the Director of Athletics at Louisiana Tech University, a position he held until 1994. He later became the longtime chief executive of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation, where for over a decade he worked to bring the community together through major sporting events, further extending his lifelong contribution to sport in Louisiana.
Jerry Stovall’s Legacy and Honours
Jerry Stovall left an enduring legacy as one of LSU’s most treasured figures, remembered as much for his character, kindness and generosity as for his achievements. His accomplishments were recognised with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010, and his number 21 hangs retired above Tiger Stadium. Following his death, he was mourned across the LSU family and the wider football world as a legend and a great man, with tributes celebrating a life devoted to the sport, his university and his community.
Jerry Stovall Personal Life
Jerry Stovall was a devoted family man who remained deeply connected to Louisiana and to LSU throughout his life. Widely respected for his warmth, faith and generosity of spirit, he was regarded as a beloved ambassador for his alma mater and a pillar of the Baton Rouge community. His enduring popularity reflected not only his athletic and coaching accomplishments but also the personal qualities that endeared him to generations of players, colleagues and fans.
Jerry Stovall Height and Physical Profile
Jerry Stovall stood 6 feet 2 inches, or 1.88 metres, tall and weighed around 205 pounds during his playing days. His combination of size, athletic ability, and versatility enabled him to thrive as a halfback, defensive back, and punter, showcasing the all-around skills that earned him the lasting nickname “Mr. Everything” and established him as one of the most complete players of his era.
Jerry Stovall Net Worth and Earnings
A reliably verified figure for Jerry Stovall’s net worth is not a meaningful part of the public record, and this profile does not put forward one. His career earnings were primarily derived from his time as a professional football player, his coaching career, and his positions in athletic administration, including his involvement with the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation. Nevertheless, his most significant legacy is reflected in his impact on LSU, the sport of football, and his local community, rather than in financial accomplishments.
| Source | Detail |
| Net worth | Not reliably documented |
| Main income sources | His playing, coaching and administrative careers |
Jerry Stovall Social Media
Jerry Stovall was honoured across social media following his death, with LSU, former players, sports broadcasters and fans sharing heartfelt tributes to the legendary player, coach and ambassador.
| Platform | Handle | Notes |
| Public tributes | LSU and the college-football community | How his memory has been honoured |
| Public information | Sports media | How news about him is reported |
Jerry Stovall Controversies
No significant personal controversy involving Jerry Stovall surfaced in the material examined for this profile. He was remembered solely with admiration, affection and respect as a legendary player, a respected coach and a beloved community figure, and coverage of him has focused on his achievements, his character and the sadness of his passing.
Lesser Known Facts About Jerry Stovall
- His full name was Jerry Lane Stovall.
- He was nicknamed “Mr. Everything” for his versatility.
- He was a unanimous All-American at LSU in 1962.
- He finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1962.
- He was the second overall pick in the 1963 NFL Draft.
- He was named National Coach of the Year in 1982.
- He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Jerry Stovall FAQ
Who was Jerry Stovall?
He was a legendary LSU football player, head coach and athletic administrator, an All-American, NFL Pro Bowler and College Football Hall of Famer.
When was Jerry Stovall born, and when did he die?
He was born on 30 April 1941 and died on 31 August 2026, at the age of 85.
What is Jerry Stovall best known for?
He is best known as an LSU football legend, a unanimous All-American and 1962 Heisman runner-up who later coached the Tigers to National Coach of the Year honours.
What position did Jerry Stovall play?
He was a versatile halfback at LSU and played safety and punter in the NFL, earning the nickname “Mr. Everything.”
What NFL team did Jerry Stovall play for?
He played nine seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals, from 1963 to 1971, and was a three-time Pro Bowler.
When did Jerry Stovall coach LSU?
He served as LSU’s head coach from 1980 to 1983, and was named National Coach of the Year in 1982.
What honours did Jerry Stovall receive?
He was a unanimous All-American, SEC Player of the Year, National Coach of the Year, a College Football Hall of Fame inductee, and had his number 21 retired by LSU.
Where was Jerry Stovall from?
He was born in West Monroe, Louisiana.
What did Jerry Stovall do after coaching?
He served as athletic director at Louisiana Tech and later as chief executive of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation.
How is Jerry Stovall remembered?
He is remembered as an LSU legend and a kind, generous man who devoted his life to football, his university and his community.
Sources
WAFB, Former LSU Football Coach Jerry Stovall dies,
https://www.wafb.com/2026/08/31/former-lsu-football-coach-jerry-stovall-dies/
Louisiana Sports, LSU All-American, former head coach Jerry Stovall dead at 85,
https://www.louisianasports.net/2026/08/31/lsu-all-american-former-head-coach-jerry-stovall-dead-at-85/lsu-sports/
Louisiana State Legislature, Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 41 (2017),
https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1036047
College Football Hall of Fame, Jerry Stovall,
https://www.cfbhall.com/