UCLA Athletics announced the passing of Donn Moomaw, a celebrated figure in college football history, on Monday in Pasadena, California. He was 93 years old.
Moomaw was known for his versatility on the field as a two-way player for UCLA from 1950 to 1952. Initially joining the team as an end, he later excelled at center and linebacker under head coach Henry “Red” Sanders. His performance earned him multiple accolades, including team MVP honors twice and Lineman of the Year as a senior. His No. 80 jersey is retired by UCLA.
In 1952, Moomaw’s efforts helped lead the Bruins to an impressive season with an 8-1 record and a spot in the Pacific Coast Conference championship game. Sanders praised Moomaw’s performance against Wisconsin that year as “the greatest game I ever saw a linebacker play.” That season also saw him finish fourth in Heisman Trophy voting and earn consensus All-American status.
Despite injuries in 1951 limiting his achievements to All-America second team, he consistently made it to the All-Conference first team for three consecutive years. Notably, he scored a touchdown through an interception return against USC during his final game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Off the field, Moomaw was recognized for his academic achievements by being named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team in 1952 and later inducted into its hall-of-fame class in 1988. His contributions to sports were further acknowledged when he became part of UCLA’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984 and entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
Born in Santa Ana, California, Moomaw was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1953 but chose to pursue ministry instead. He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a bachelor’s degree in divinity and later obtained a doctor of divinity from Sterling College. During seminary studies, he played briefly for two seasons in the CFL.
As senior pastor at Bel Air Presbyterian Church from 1964-1993, Moomaw had significant interactions with Ronald Reagan and delivered invocations at Reagan’s gubernatorial inaugurations (1967 and 1971) as well as presidential inaugurations (1981 and 1985). Additionally, he served on California’s State Board of Education between 1968-1972.
Moomaw is survived by his children Dann Moomaw, Jonn Moomaw, Nancy Goodwin, Michelle Le Beau, Carrie Brakebush; ten grandchildren; one brother Dick Moomaw; and one sister Jane Elson. There are currently no plans for services.
