Back to search

John Ferraro

Tackle

Inducted 1974

Date of Birth

5/14/1924

Birthplace

Cudahy, CA

Schools

University of Southern California (1943-1944)

University of Southern California (1946-1947)

Bio

Destined to become Police Commissioner for the city of Los Angeles, California; John Ferraro started working in the enforcement business as a two-time first-team All-America tackle at the University of Southern California. In his 1943 freshman season, the Trojans finished at 8-2, including a 29-0 Rose Bowl victory over Washington. During his sophomore season, Ferraro gained All-America status. That season, Southern Cal posted an 8-0-2 record, repeated as Pacific Coast Conference champs and registered another shut out in the Rose Bowl, defeating Tennessee 25-0. In 1945, Ferraro served as an ensign in the U.S. Navy. When he returned to Southern Cal in 1946, a back injury hampered his play. Even so he was still selected to the All-Coast team and received second-team All-America recognition. Fully healed in 1947, he made first-team All-America, receiving the following laurels from Braven Dyer of the Los Angeles Times, "If any tackle played better than John Ferraro, he must be Superman and Hercules rolled into one." The Trojans finished the season 7-2-1 and returned to the Rose Bowl, losing to Michigan 49-0. Southern Cal had a 30-8-3 record in his four years. After his playing days Ferraro served as a Los Angeles Police Commissioner and City Councilman. In 1973, he received the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award, given for career achievement.