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Started By
Message
former tiger Earl Gros died Monday
Posted on 7/17/13 at 7:25 am
Posted on 7/17/13 at 7:25 am
Gros, a fullback at LSU from 1959-61 who later played nine NFL seasons, died Monday at the age of 72.
Gros, a native of Houma, was a first-round draft pick and 14th overall selection of the 1962 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers. He also was a second-round pick of the AFL’s Houston Oilers that year, but chose to sign with the Packers.
Playing with Green Bay in 1962 and ’63, Gros was part of a deep and talented backfield that included former LSU star Jimmy Taylor and Paul Hornung. The Packers claimed the NFL title in 1962 with a 13-1 record and followed that with an 11-2-1 record in 1963.
In addition to playing for the Packers, Gros played with the Philadelphia Eagles (1964-66), Pittsburgh Steelers (1967-69) and appeared in one game for the New Orleans Saints (1970) before retiring.
Gros’ best season came in his first year with the Eagles in 1964. He rushed for 748 yards on 154 carries and averaged 4.9 yards per attempt, which was fourth in the NFL.
He scored seven rushing touchdowns in both 1965 and ’66 and had nine total touchdowns each of those years.
For his NFL career, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Gros rushed for 3,157 yards and 28 touchdowns and caught 142 passes for 1,255 yards and 10 more TDs.
Gros, a resident of Prairieville, is survived by his mother, Flora Trosclair Gros; son, Earl Roy Gros II; a sister, Gayle; and three grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 10 a.m. until funeral time at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Schriever. A Mass of Christian burial is set for 11 a.m. Thibodaux Funeral Home Inc., is in charge of arrangements.
Gros, a native of Houma, was a first-round draft pick and 14th overall selection of the 1962 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers. He also was a second-round pick of the AFL’s Houston Oilers that year, but chose to sign with the Packers.
Playing with Green Bay in 1962 and ’63, Gros was part of a deep and talented backfield that included former LSU star Jimmy Taylor and Paul Hornung. The Packers claimed the NFL title in 1962 with a 13-1 record and followed that with an 11-2-1 record in 1963.
In addition to playing for the Packers, Gros played with the Philadelphia Eagles (1964-66), Pittsburgh Steelers (1967-69) and appeared in one game for the New Orleans Saints (1970) before retiring.
Gros’ best season came in his first year with the Eagles in 1964. He rushed for 748 yards on 154 carries and averaged 4.9 yards per attempt, which was fourth in the NFL.
He scored seven rushing touchdowns in both 1965 and ’66 and had nine total touchdowns each of those years.
For his NFL career, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Gros rushed for 3,157 yards and 28 touchdowns and caught 142 passes for 1,255 yards and 10 more TDs.
Gros, a resident of Prairieville, is survived by his mother, Flora Trosclair Gros; son, Earl Roy Gros II; a sister, Gayle; and three grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 10 a.m. until funeral time at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Schriever. A Mass of Christian burial is set for 11 a.m. Thibodaux Funeral Home Inc., is in charge of arrangements.
Posted on 7/17/13 at 7:50 am to lsu7171
For a big man, Earl could fly. I remember the Tulane game in either 59 or 60 - he broke tackles at the line and ran through three of the Greenie db's - pulling away when he scored. A great Tiger.
Posted on 7/17/13 at 8:29 am to lsu7171
Before my time but
Heard he was a good one....
RIP
Heard he was a good one....
RIP
Posted on 7/17/13 at 9:26 am to lsu7171
I am saddened to learn this. He was, indeed, a great Tiger. RIP
A street in Tigerland, Earl Gros Ave., is named for him.
Sorry my 4000th post has to be for such sad news.
A street in Tigerland, Earl Gros Ave., is named for him.
Sorry my 4000th post has to be for such sad news.
Posted on 7/17/13 at 9:56 am to lsu7171
...I see you read the Advocate , too ...
Posted on 7/17/13 at 12:55 pm to GeauxGus
yes i do . i posted this because he was a great former tiger and hasnt been mentioned.
Posted on 7/17/13 at 1:40 pm to lsu7171
His playing days at LSU coincided with me just becoming a Tiger fan. Was a beast in his day.
RIP Mr. Gros - you deserve your rest.
RIP Mr. Gros - you deserve your rest.
Posted on 7/17/13 at 1:45 pm to lsu7171
A 16 handicap that "can play to a 6 if I have to".
Rest in Peace good buddy. I enjoyed knowing you.
Rest in Peace good buddy. I enjoyed knowing you.
Posted on 7/17/13 at 2:32 pm to lsu7171
I grew up hearing Mr. Gross' name in my home even though he was well before my time. Great Tiger.
Posted on 7/17/13 at 4:13 pm to lsu7171
I rarely have the opportunity to show up here much, anymore -- but when I saw this, I figured I had to say something.
I was introduced to LSU football by my parents in 1959.
I can remember, as a kid, watching Earl Gros play, and he was really fun to watch . . .
He looked huge on the field -- 6’ 3” / 220 is a respectable size for a RB, even today. In 1960, he was bigger than a lot of the DL’s he played against . . .
He wasn’t really all that fast, but he was ungodly, other-worldly strong.
And he had astonishing balance. He was nearly impossible to tackle one-on-one.
If you were twelve years old, then just about the most fun you could have in Tiger Stadium on a Saturday night was watching defenders bounce off of Earl Gros.
I always thought that trying to tackle him would be like trying to tackle a ferryboat.
Over the years, I’ve seen folks make list after list of “the best running backs to ever play at LSU”. Earl Gros always seems to get left off, and I’ve never understood why.
He may not have been flashy, but Gawd, he was effective.
RIP, Sir . . . Tiger Nation is poorer for your departure.
I was introduced to LSU football by my parents in 1959.
I can remember, as a kid, watching Earl Gros play, and he was really fun to watch . . .
He looked huge on the field -- 6’ 3” / 220 is a respectable size for a RB, even today. In 1960, he was bigger than a lot of the DL’s he played against . . .
He wasn’t really all that fast, but he was ungodly, other-worldly strong.
And he had astonishing balance. He was nearly impossible to tackle one-on-one.
If you were twelve years old, then just about the most fun you could have in Tiger Stadium on a Saturday night was watching defenders bounce off of Earl Gros.
I always thought that trying to tackle him would be like trying to tackle a ferryboat.
Over the years, I’ve seen folks make list after list of “the best running backs to ever play at LSU”. Earl Gros always seems to get left off, and I’ve never understood why.
He may not have been flashy, but Gawd, he was effective.
RIP, Sir . . . Tiger Nation is poorer for your departure.
Posted on 7/17/13 at 8:02 pm to lsu7171
Prayers for all friends and family members. A tried and true Great Tiger who I had the pleasure of meeting one time many years ago at my Mom and Dad's home. God Bless and Rest In Peace Mr. Gros. The Tiger nation will certainly miss you.
Posted on 7/17/13 at 8:02 pm to lsu7171
Prayers for all friends and family members. A tried and true Great Tiger who I had the pleasure of meeting one time many years ago at my Mom and Dad's home. God Bless and Rest In Peace Mr. Gros. The Tiger nation will certainly miss you.
Posted on 7/17/13 at 8:17 pm to lsu7171
1st LSU player I ever saw score a touchdown in Tiger Stadium. It was in 1961 and I'm not sure if it was aTm or Miss St. Just remember the opponent wore maroon & white, and that Earl and Wendell Harris had big games. My Dad and I rode the train from New Orleans, what memories! RIP Earl
Posted on 7/17/13 at 8:25 pm to lsu7171
What high school did he go to?
Posted on 7/17/13 at 9:56 pm to DollaChoppa
Terrebonne HS
LINK
My dad who is the same age always mentions Earl Gros along with Cannon and Taylor when talking about the Tiger backs of the late 50s - early 60s.
RIP Tiger great!
LINK
My dad who is the same age always mentions Earl Gros along with Cannon and Taylor when talking about the Tiger backs of the late 50s - early 60s.
RIP Tiger great!
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