Tournament of Roses - Rose Bowl Game

1973, 1974 and 1975 Rose Bowl Games
1995 Inductee

Pat Haden not only played in three Rose Bowl Games, but also graduated Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude in English and earned a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University. As a reserve in 1972, Haden led USC with seven touchdown passes for the season. The Trojans rolled over Ohio State 42–17 in the 1973 Rose Bowl Game to clinch the national championship. The Buckeyes turned the tables on the Trojans in the 1974 game, winning 42–21.

Haden’s third appearance in the Rose Bowl is perhaps the game for which he will always be remembered. Facing Ohio State for a third time, Haden tossed a 38-yard touchdown pass to long-time friend John McKay with 2:03 remaining to bring the Trojans to within one point of the Buckeyes. With a national championship on the line, the Trojans opted to go for the two-point conversion. Haden hit Shelton Diggs to seal an 18–17 victory and earn himself co-Player of the Game honors.

Haden went on to play professional football for the Los Angeles Rams, leading the team to three straight NFC West titles and two NFC Championship Games.