Rose Bowl Hall of Fame
1930 and 1932 Rose Bowl Game
1997 Inductee
Erny Pinckert was a bruising blocking back for legendary coach Howard Jones at USC. A valuable member of the Trojans’ famed Thundering Herd, Pinckert trampled defenders, clearing holes for other backs such as Marshall Duffield, Gus Shaver, Orv Mohler and Rose Bowl Hall of Famer Russ Saunders. But “every dog has his day,” and Pinckert’s was New Year’s. In two Rose Bowl Game appearances, Pinckert scored three times. The first touchdown came through the air in a 47–14 triumph over a tough Pittsburgh squad in 1930.
In the 1932 game, Pinckert’s performance was a big surprise, at least to Tulane. Coach Jones called Pinckert’s number on two reverses, each resulting in a touchdown. The first score was a 30-yard scamper, and the second touchdown was a 23-yard run. Offensive dominance was not enough for the talented Pinckert, though. On defense, he saved a Tulane touchdown by overtaking Wop Glover from behind, and he also knocked down a pass on a two-point conversion try. USC won the game 21–12, with Pinckert earning Player of the Game honors.
Pinckert was a two-time All-America selection and went on to play professionally for the Washington Redskins (who were the Boston Braves when he first joined the franchise). Pinckert passed away in 1977.
