April 16--Jimmy Gunn, an All-American end who was part of USC's "Wild Bunch" defensive line in 1969, died Saturday in Los Angeles of heart failure, the school announced. He was 66.
Gunn played for the Trojans from 1967 to 1969. He was All-American as a senior and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 13th round of the 1970 NFL draft.
He played seven pro seasons for the Bears, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
At USC, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Gunn was known for his speed and quickness. He teamed with end Charles Weaver, tackles Al Cowlings and Tody Smith and middle guards Willard "Bubba" Scott and Tony Terry to form the Wild Bunch. Named for the Sam Peckinpah Western film, the unit helped the Trojans finish 10-0-1 in 1969.
Gunn was born Nov. 27, 1948, in Augusta, Ark., and played football at Lincoln High School in San Diego.
After retiring from football he had a business career and became a real estate developer, USC said.
Gunn is survived by his sister, Willetta Bocage, and his fiancee, Mary Watkins.
gary.klein@latimes.com
