Ron Miller, who lettered as a USC football player in 1951-53, died Saturday. He was 85.
Miller was better known as the son-in-law of Walt Disney and was Disney president from 1978-83 and then CEO from 1983-84.
In 1953, a friend set Miller up on a blind date with fellow USC student Diane Disney. They got married in 1954 and remained married for 56 years until her death in 2013.
After he played at USC, Miller played seven games with the Los Angeles Rams.
“My father-in-law saw me play in two football games when I was with the L.A. Rams,” Miller said. “In one of them, I caught a pass and Dick ‘Night Train’ Lane let me have it from the rear. His forearm came across my nose and knocked me unconscious. I woke up in about the third quarter. At the end of the season, Walt came up to me and said, ‘You know, I don’t want to be the father to your children. You’re going to die out there. How about coming to work with me?’
“I did and it was a wise decision on my part. I’m really very proud of having been a professional athlete. I think it teaches you to be competitive, to accept challenges and to see things through. I realize the image some people have of jocks, but I think that certainly has changed over the years.”
That is a funny story!
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“Night Train” Lane was everything Jack Tatum wished to be.
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You’re right…..
#..ButIStillDon’tLikeTheWayHeTackledJonArnett
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Just Rent,
I hate this so much, but once in a great while u make sense and u are correct. Lane was a true HOFer before he even retired
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Troy
Polamalu
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Owns don’t comment on anything USC. Start chastising the stinkin’
‘ruins on their pathetic blogs. Your a real putz!
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May he be in the arms of Our Dear Lord, Jesus.
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Celebrating in Heaven.
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I worked for Ron Miller at Disney when he was President. Good Man. Not the sharpest president for a studio but a good person to work for. He and his wife made a good team together.
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Married 56 yrs from 1954 brings the date to 2010 yet she died in 2013.
What happened with the 3 yr. gap until then?
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I went to SC games then and some Rams too, lots of the athletes played offense and defense back then
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A truly interesting and fun story … with no sarcasm. Who knew wolf was capable of this ! Great nugget though; thanks Scott.
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