Though the team did not adopt the Trojans name until 1912, the University of Southern California football program began in 1888 amidst the sun-soaked beauty of Los Angeles, California. Since that day, Trojans football has grown into one of the largest college football powerhouses in the nation. Trojans football fans have witnessed decades of incredible highs, have seen a host of Heisman Trophy winners emerge from myriad teams, and have played a part in some of the most famous rivalries in college football history. But it hasn't all been fun in the sun. Trojans football has endured decades of abysmal lows as well, most notably a drought of national championships from 1978 to 2003. But that all changed with the arrival of coach Pete Carroll before the start of the 2001 season. In his eight seasons as Trojans coach, Carroll has led his team to two national championships and five Pac-10 titles. In addition, under Carroll USC has become the first team in history to post seven consecutive 11-win seasons. At long last, the Trojans are back on top, and they owe it to Carroll's "Always Compete" football program. What It Means to Be a Trojan gathers in one volume the stories and legends behind USC football's long and eventful history. During Carroll's tenure, USC has produced more than 50 NFL draftees (14 in the first round) and three Heisman Trophy winners. But even going back as far as the 1930s, there are many great Trojans who still support their alma mater and who have stories to tell. Now, in their own words, some of the greatest Trojans to hit the field over the last seven decades discuss how they ended up at USC, their experiences as Trojans, and how the USC football program affected their postcollegiate lives. Read about Frank Gifford and the teams of the 1950s who revolutionized the USC offense, taking it from the T formation to the single wing. Learn about the glorious 1970s of Sam "Bam" Cunningham and J.K. McKay. And read Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart's accounts of their long, triumphant climb to winning the Heisman Trophy in 2002 and 2004, respectively. Some Trojans have gone on to NFL superstardom, while others have ventured down much more everyday paths. But no matter what they did after graduating from USC, they all credit the Trojans football program with supplying a foundation for their triumphs. For all Trojans fans who want to learn about the history of the program and the great teams, or for those who just want to reminisce, this book is a must-have addition to your library.