Dan Towler 2001 Deaths

Dan Towler

one of three bruising fullbacks on the dynamic LA Rams teams of the 1950s and dedicated student of theology; one of three 200-pound-plus backs in the Rams' “Bull Elephants” backfield (Paul "Tank" Younger and Dick Hoerner); known as "Deacon Dan"; won NFL title with the Rams in 1951; named All-Pro from 1951-53; led the NFL in rushing in 1952, and touchdowns in 1952 and 1954; gained 3,493 yards and scored 43 touchdowns in six pro seasons; remembered for missing several team meetings while pursuing a master's degree in religion at USC (which he received in 1955); retired from football in 1955 and was named pastor of the Lincoln Avenue Methodist Church in Pasadena, Calif.; longtime chaplain at Cal. State-Los Angeles and president of the LA County Board of Education. The cause of his death was not given.