NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Johnny Musso, described as a "bulldozing blocker and breakaway runner," made All-America in 1970 and 1971. As a senior he was fourth in the Heisman vote and was named Player of the Year by Football News, the Miami Touchdown Club, and the Touchdown Club of Atlanta. Musso was a 2-time Academic All-America. In 1971, he received the National Football Foundation scholarship. The American Football Coaches Association gave him the Ernie Davis Award. While in college, he spoke to youth groups. After a pro career in the Canadian League (1972-74) and with the Chicago Bears in the NFL (1973-75), he began a business career. He became president of the Schreiner-Musso Trading Co., a commodities firm. He became a deacon in the Baptist Church of Hinsdale, Illinois, and served in youth ministry, working with inner-city citizens. He led the Southeastern Conference in rushing two years and in scoring (100 points) in 1971. He set a school record for rushing touchdowns (34) that lasted 28 years. His career rushing yardage, 2,742, was a school record. Musso's big games included 221 yards against Auburn in 1970 and four touchdowns against Florida in 1971.
Musso played for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League from 1972-74, where he ran for 1,029 yards in 1973 and was named a West All-Star. He also played for the Birmingham Vulcans of the WFL in 1975 and rushed for 681 yards. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1989 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
