Illini legend Johnny Karras dies at 80
CHAMPAIGN -- Former University of Illinois consensus all-American running back Johnny Karras, nicknamed "The Argo Express," passed away Thursday evening at the age of 80.
Karras came to Illinois in 1946 as a freshman, then spent 18 months in the Army. When he returned as a sophomore in 1949, he exploded on the scene with seven touchdowns, 826 yards rushing and a 6.5 yards per carry average.
He led the Illini in rushing in 1950 and 1951 as Illinois went 16-3-1, winning the 1952 Rose Bowl over Stanford. Karras was a 1951 consensus all-American after gaining 716 yards and scoring a UI-record 13 touchdowns as Illinois went 9-0-1 to win the Big Ten title and earn a No. 3 final national ranking. He was named to Illinois' All-Century team in 1990.
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