The football community lost another good one on Tuesday after former New England Patriots fullback Sam “Bam” Cunningham passed away in Inglewood, California.

Cunningham is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame after starring for the University of Southern California (USC) in the early 70s. The cause of his death is still unknown. He was 71 years old.

After his legendary college career, Cunningham played for the Patriots from 1973 to 1982 and went on to become the team's all-time leader in rushing. Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued a statement, recognizing Cunningham as one of the team's most esteemed players (via Patch.com).

“(Cunningham) was one of my favorite players throughout the 70s and my sons all loved him. After I bought the team in 1994, it was my honor to welcome him back to the team on multiple occasions, recognizing him as a 50th anniversary team member and again for his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame.”

Article Continues Below
More Patriots News
patriots, new england patriots, eric kendricks
1 perfect New England Patriots move to fill out roster before 2025 training campGarrett Kerman ·
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) holds a press conference after minicamp at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots send message to Drake Maye, wife after life-changing eventColin Loughran ·
Rob Gronkowski Camile Kostek
Rob Gronkowski’s girlfriend Camille Kostek reveals why WAGS judged herAutumn Hawkins ·
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden.
Patriots rookie reveals Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla messageJaren Kawada ·
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens
Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski recreate Lombardi Trophy boat moment with a twistGuillermo Guajardo ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) warms up before the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium.
Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers earns prestigious tag that’ll leave Patriots fans screamingJaren Kawada ·

For USC fans, Cunningham will forever be remembered for leading the Trojans to the NCAA title in 1972. The following year, he memorably scored four touchdowns in the Rose Bowl to lift the MVP trophy.

USC coach Clay Helton on Twitter remembered Cunningham's contributions to the program and for being a great role model.

“Extremely saddened by the loss of a college football legend. As good a man as he was a player. Thank you Sam for being the example of what a Trojan should be. You will be missed but never forgotten.”

Sam Cunningham is survived by his wife and daughter.