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Mario Danelo (July 3, 1985 – January 6, 2007) was an American college football placekicker for the University of Southern California.

Key Information

High school career

[edit]

Danelo was an all–Los Angeles linebacker at San Pedro High School in San Pedro, California. Danelo was also a fullback and kicker at his high school. Because, at 5'10" and 200 lbs, he was undersized to be a major college linebacker, his father, former 9-year National Football League kicker Joe Danelo, taught him the position.[1] Danelo became the first San Pedro High Pirate to play football at the University of Southern California in 30 years.[1][2]

College career

[edit]

Danelo was a walk-on college football player at USC in 2003. He redshirted his first year and did not have any kick attempts in the 2004 season. He earned an athletic scholarship starting in 2005. During the 2005 season, he set the NCAA, Pac-10 and USC season record for hitting 83 out of 86 PATs. In 2006, Danelo led USC in scoring with 89 points.[3] During the 2006 season, Danelo made 15 of 16 field-goal attempts and 44 of 48 PATs.[2] In his final game, the 21-year-old kicked two field goals in helping USC achieve victory in the 2007 Rose Bowl.[1]

Death and memorial

[edit]

In the early morning hours of January 6, 2007, after partying with friends, Danelo left his family's San Pedro home, telling his father he was going for a walk.[4] He was found dead later that day by a passer-by at the bottom of the 120-foot-tall (37 m) White Point Cliff near Point Fermin Lighthouse, several blocks from his house. No signs of scuba gear, surfing equipment, or swimsuits were found, and his car was not in the vicinity. The police ruled out foul play as the cause of death. In front of the cliff, which he is suspected to have accidentally fallen off or jumped, there are signs forbidding entrance.[5][6] Danelo's autopsy toxicological report found he had a 0.23 blood-alcohol level at the time of his death, almost three times the California legal limit to operate a vehicle on public roadways. The coroner's report listed the cause of death as the result of "multiple traumatic injuries;" however the coroner could not determine how those injuries had occurred.[4][7] Danelo's blood tested free from drugs. As of March 2007, the manner of death was undetermined.[8]

Two thousand people attended Danelo's funeral at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic church as city streets in San Pedro were closed to handle traffic and several thousand mourners spilled outside of the filled church.[2] The speakers included his older brother Joey Danelo, USC head coach Pete Carroll, and his San Pedro High coach Mike Walsh.[1] Among the mourners were about 100 of his former USC teammates and coaches, including Shaun Cody, Matt Grootegoed, Fred Matua, Tom Malone, and Scott Ware.[2]

For the 2007 season, USC players wore a #19 sticker on their helmets in honor of Danelo.[8] In addition, the Kennedy-Jones practice field had the number "19" sprayed onto its end zones. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum also put a banner above the tunnel with Danelo's name and the goal-post pads paid tribute to him.[9]

Before the beginning of the 2007 opener, USC held a special ceremony with a video tribute, a moment of silence before the game and coach Pete Carroll and Athletic Director Mike Garrett presented a jersey to Danelo's parents. On September 1, 2007, in USC's first game of the season against the Idaho Vandals, USC intentionally lined up for the PAT without a kicker following their first touchdown of the game, taking a 5-yard delay of game in tribute to their late teammate.[10] The moment was chosen by ESPN as one of the Pac-10's Top 10 Moments of BCS Era.[11][failed verification]

On December 17, 2007, San Pedro High School dedicated a large mural on campus to Danelo.[12] The mural was planned and donated by a USC group and titled "Livin' the Dream" by sports muralist Mike Sullivan.[13]

References

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Mario Danelo

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Mario Danelo (July 3, 1985 – January 6, 2007) was an American who played for the Trojans from 2004 to 2006. Starting as a walk-on, he redshirted in 2003 and did not see action as a redshirt freshman in 2004, serving as a reserve behind Ryan Killeen. Born and raised in San Pedro, California, as the youngest of three sons to former kicker Joe Danelo and Emily Danelo, he emerged as a standout special teams player known for his accuracy and record-setting performance on extra points and field goals. His career was tragically cut short at age 21 when he fell to his death from a cliff near his family home, just days after contributing to USC's 2007 Rose Bowl victory. Danelo's collegiate career began in earnest in 2005, his sophomore year, where he took over as the primary , converting 11 of 12 s (91.7%) and setting NCAA, Pac-10 Conference, and USC single-season records with 83 of 86 extra points for 116 points, ranking 17th nationally in scoring at 8.9 . His junior season in 2006 saw him make 15 of 16 s (93.8%), including a career-long of 44 yards, and 44 of 48 extra points for 89 points. Over his career, Danelo amassed 205 total points, with a 92.9% success rate (26 of 28) and 94.8% on extra points (127 of 134), and he earned Pac-10 Special Teams Player of the Week honors after a strong performance against Washington. In the 2007 Rose Bowl, Danelo contributed to USC's 32–18 win over by converting 2 of 4 extra points and both attempts from 26 yards. On , 2007, five days after the game, his body was discovered at the base of a 120-foot cliff in the Point Fermin area of San Pedro, near his childhood home. Toxicology reports indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.23—nearly three times the legal driving limit—but the County coroner's office ruled the as undetermined, citing insufficient evidence to classify it as , , or , though foul play was deemed unlikely. Danelo's prompted widespread within the USC community and tributes from teammates, coaches, and fans, highlighting his positive spirit and dedication to the sport.

Early Life and Family

Birth and Upbringing

Mario Christopher Danelo was born on July 3, 1985, in San Pedro, , to parents Emily and Joe Danelo. As the youngest of three brothers—Joey and Tony—Danelo was raised in the working-class San Pedro neighborhood of , a port community known for its strong Italian-American heritage. The family home, located just blocks from the cliffs at Point Fermin Park, served as a lively gathering spot for friends and family, fostering a and dedication through everyday activities. From an early age, Danelo showed interest in sports, starting with soccer in the (AYSO) leagues alongside his brothers before transitioning to during his high school years. He received his initial exposure to kicking through casual play in these youth settings and local leagues, building foundational skills in a supportive environment. Academically, Danelo was a focused and consistent student, achieving a stellar record that reflected his disciplined approach to both studies and athletics.

Family Background

Mario Danelo was born into a family with a strong athletic legacy, particularly through his father, Joe Danelo, a former placekicker who played for the from 1975 to 1984 and briefly for the in 1985. Joe set several Giants records during his tenure, including the single-game mark for most s with six against the in 1981 and a 55-yard field goal that stood as a team record at the time. As a longshoreman after his playing career, Joe instilled in his sons the discipline required for professional sports, drawing from his own experience as an undrafted out of . Danelo's mother, Emily Danelo, grew up in Carson, a adjacent to San Pedro, California, where the family eventually settled after Joe's college years. The Danelo family traces its roots to Italian heritage, reflected in the surname's origins in , and emphasized values of perseverance and community involvement common in San Pedro's tight-knit, working-class environment. Emily supported her sons' pursuits by maintaining a stable home life, often balancing family responsibilities while Joe worked long hours on the docks. As the youngest of three brothers—older siblings Joey and Tony—Mario grew up in a supportive household where athletics were a central bond. His brothers participated in local sports, fostering a competitive yet encouraging dynamic, while the family attended games and provided emotional backing for Mario's development. Joe's influence was particularly profound; Mario asked his father to teach him kicking techniques after high school practices, leading to intensive sessions where Joe shared professional methods, helping Mario overcome his smaller stature to pursue . The family's collective emphasis on hard work and familial loyalty shaped Mario's approach to the sport from an early age.

High School Career

Enrollment at San Pedro High School

Mario Danelo attended San Pedro High School in San Pedro, California, from 2000 to 2003 as a member of the Class of 2003. Influenced by his family's athletic heritage—particularly his father Joe Danelo's career as an kicker—Danelo joined the San Pedro Pirates varsity football team during his freshman year in 2000, initially serving as a backup kicker before securing the starting position by his sophomore season. Under head coach Mike Walsh, Danelo adapted to the rigors of high school competition in the City Section's Marine League, developing his skills as a multi-position player including kicker, fullback, and linebacker while contributing to team efforts from an early stage. Danelo balanced his athletic commitments with academics, maintaining a strong record that reflected his dedication as a student-athlete, and he also participated in soccer as an .

Athletic Achievements

Mario Danelo distinguished himself as a multi-position player at San Pedro High School, contributing as a linebacker, fullback, and kicker on the varsity football team. During his senior year in 2002, Danelo earned All-L.A. City first-team honors as a linebacker, highlighting his defensive prowess and overall athletic impact. He also showcased his kicking talent that season, going 3-for-5 on attempts with a career-best 48-yard make. Earlier in his high school career, he booted a 46-yard , demonstrating the leg strength honed through training with his father, former kicker Joe Danelo. Standing at 5-foot-10 and around 200 pounds, Danelo's physical attributes and versatility helped the Pirates to a competitive 2002 season in the Marine League.

College Career

Recruitment and Early Seasons

Mario Danelo, a standout at San Pedro High School where he played linebacker and soccer, attracted interest from several college programs following his senior year but received no initial scholarship offers as a kicker due to his limited experience in the position. He ultimately chose to walk on at the (USC) in the fall of 2003, drawn by the Trojans' prestigious program under head coach and his family's longstanding ties to . As the son of former kicker Joe Danelo, Mario had begun developing his placekicking skills late in high school at his father's urging, transitioning from a primary linebacker role to focus on special teams potential despite his 5-foot-10 frame being undersized for Division I linebacking. During his true freshman year in 2003, Danelo redshirted and did not appear in any games, preserving a year of eligibility while acclimating to the college level as a walk-on . The season marked USC's campaign, providing Danelo early exposure to a high-stakes environment, though he remained behind established kickers on the depth chart. In 2004, as a redshirt , Danelo served as a reserve behind senior Ryan Killeen but saw no game action across the Trojans' 13-game schedule, which again culminated in a national title. Killeen's performance, including 14-of-23 s, limited opportunities for backups, but Danelo impressed in practice and scrimmages, such as nailing a 20-yard during fall camp. Adapting to college kicking presented challenges for Danelo, including the increased distances, wind conditions at the , and the intense pressure of USC's powerhouse offense that demanded precision under scrutiny. He overcame these hurdles through dedicated film study of professional and collegiate kickers, as well as consistent guidance from his father, who provided post-work training sessions emphasizing technique and mental preparation after Mario requested instruction during high school. This foundational work during his early seasons built the consistency that would earn him a prior to the 2005 campaign.

Peak Performance and Records

During his junior year in 2006, Mario Danelo served as the starting placekicker for the , delivering his most consistent and impactful performances of his college career. He converted 13 of 14 attempts in the regular season (92.9%) and 15 of 16 overall (93.8%), leading the team in scoring with 89 points and providing crucial reliability to an offense navigating injuries to key players. His accuracy under pressure was evident in high-stakes games, where he rarely missed, contributing to USC's 11-2 record and No. 7 final ranking. For his performance against Washington, Danelo was named Pac-10 Special Teams Player of the Week. He earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors in both 2005 and 2006. One of Danelo's standout outings came on October 7, 2006, against Washington, when he made all four field goal attempts from 21, 25, 32, and 34 yards—the first four-field-goal game of his career—accounting for 12 points in a 26-20 victory that kept the Trojans in contention for a berth. Earlier in the season opener against on September 2, he booted a career-long 44-yard field goal, demonstrating his growing leg strength during USC's strong 6-1 start. Against on September 16, Danelo went 4-for-4 on extra points in a 28-10 win, supporting the team's dominant early offensive output. In the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2007, Danelo's final college game, he made both attempts from 26 yards each, adding six points to help USC secure a 32-18 victory over and enhance their prospects for an invitation. His performance in Pasadena underscored his poise in bowl settings, building on a season of steady contributions. Throughout his USC tenure, Danelo etched his name in the record books, setting NCAA, Pac-10, and USC single-season records for extra points made (83) and attempts (86) in 2005, while achieving a streak of 15 consecutive s made across his career. Head coach frequently praised Danelo's and reliability, noting how his consistency bolstered team confidence amid roster challenges from injuries.

Statistical Summary

Mario Danelo's kicking statistics at the reflect a highly accurate performer over his two active seasons from 2005 to 2006, during which he handled all placekicking duties after joining as a walk-on in 2003 and redshirting in 2004 with no attempts. His career totals include 26 s made out of 28 attempts for a 92.9% success rate, 127 extra points out of 134 attempts for a 94.8% success rate, and 205 total points scored. These figures underscore his reliability, with his longest successful field goal measuring 44 yards. The following table provides a year-by-year breakdown of his performance:
YearField Goals (Made/Attempts)FG%Extra Points (Made/Attempts)XP%Points ScoredGames Played
200511/1291.783/8696.511613
200615/1693.844/4891.78913
Career26/2892.9127/13494.820526
Sources for table data: ESPN; Sports-Reference.com. Danelo's field goal accuracy surpassed the national average for FBS kickers, which stood at 69.1% in 2005 and 70.3% in 2006, placing him 11th nationally in 2005 and 15th in 2006 among qualified kickers. He appeared in 26 games across these seasons, primarily contributing in USC's offensive drives during a period of team success that included an undefeated regular season in 2005, though the 2006 season introduced greater competitive pressures amid two losses.

Death and Investigation

Discovery of Body

Mario Danelo was last seen alive around midnight on January 5, 2007, after spending the evening out with friends in San Pedro, California. The 21-year-old USC placekicker, who had recently contributed to the Trojans' 32-18 victory over in the Rose Bowl on January 1, returned to his hometown area following the game. On the afternoon of , 2007, Danelo's body was discovered at the base of a approximately 150-foot rocky cliff in Point Fermin Park, near the Point Fermin Lighthouse in San Pedro, a coastal area close to his family's home. Park visitors spotted the body around 4:37 p.m., prompting an immediate response from personnel, who arrived at the scene shortly after 4:55 p.m. The location, known for its steep drops and warning signs about unstable and slippery surfaces, is a public park overlooking the . Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Harbor Division officers were notified and began investigating the death late on January 6, confirming Danelo's identity through personal effects and records. Authorities noted no immediate evidence of foul play, with initial assessments indicating traumatic injuries consistent with a fall. The LAPD conducted a search of the cliff top and surrounding area, finding no indications of a struggle or third-party involvement. Danelo's parents were informed of the tragedy by police later that day, amid the family's ongoing celebrations of his recent Rose Bowl success and his promising NFL prospects. A representative at the family home declined to comment to reporters, reflecting the profound shock in the close-knit San Pedro community where Danelo had grown up. By evening, teammates and USC officials expressed devastation, with a makeshift memorial of flowers and candles forming at the cliff site.

Autopsy Findings

The autopsy of Mario Danelo was conducted on January 8, 2007, by the County Department of , with the official report dated February 1, 2007. The was determined to be multiple blunt force traumatic injuries sustained from a fall of approximately 150 feet off a cliff at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro, California. Toxicological analysis revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.23 percent at the time of , nearly three times California's legal limit of 0.08 percent for , indicating significant intoxication. No illegal drugs or other substances were detected in his system. This level of alcohol impairment was noted as a key factor in the circumstances surrounding the incident. The (LAPD) investigation indicated the death was likely an accident or , with no evidence of foul play. Witnesses confirmed that Danelo had attended parties earlier that evening and voluntarily visited the cliff area near his family home around 2:00 a.m. on January 6, 2007, without his wallet, cellphone, or car keys. Contributing factors included possible disorientation due to and the darkness of the location, as he reportedly scaled a before the plunge; however, the coroner's office listed the as undetermined pending any additional information, and it remained undetermined as of March 2007. No prior history of depression or was indicated in investigative records or statements from family and teammates.

Legacy and Memorials

Immediate Tributes

Following the discovery of Mario Danelo's body on January 6, 2007, USC head coach issued a statement through university spokesman Tim Tessalone expressing profound shock and grief, describing Danelo as "a wonderful young man of high character" and "one heck of a kicker" who had been integral to the team's success over the previous two seasons. emphasized the Trojan family's support for Danelo's relatives, noting the devastating impact of the loss just days after the team's Rose Bowl victory. Assistant coach Sam Anno, who had mentored Danelo, visited the site of the incident at Point Fermin Park to reflect on the tragedy and later recounted encouraging the kicker after his field-goal attempts in the Rose Bowl, highlighting his resilience. Danelo's funeral was held on January 12, 2007, at in San Pedro, California, drawing an estimated 2,000 mourners including family, USC teammates, coaches, and former player . The nearly two-hour Mass featured eulogies from Danelo's brother Joey and USC graduate assistant , who celebrated his vibrant personality and unwavering commitment to football, while led the congregation in applause for his athletic accomplishments. A cardinal-and-gold billboard outside the church proclaimed "You will NOT be forgotten," underscoring the community's immediate outpouring of affection. National and local media extensively covered the event, with portraying Danelo as an "upbeat person who enjoyed life to the fullest" and left a lasting impression on those around him, particularly noting his contributions in the recent Rose Bowl where he successfully converted three extra points in USC's 32-18 win over . The published multiple articles detailing the tragedy's ripple effects on the San Pedro community and USC program, interviewing friends and officials who emphasized the shock of losing such a promising athlete shortly after a triumphant season. Teammates shared heartfelt personal tributes in the ensuing days, recalling Danelo's humor, dedication, and supportive nature; special teams snapper Will Collins described him as a constant source of joy who had comforted him through personal loss, while Michael McDonald praised his perfectionist drive on the field contrasted with his easygoing wit off it. Kicker Ryan Killeen noted Danelo's encouragement during competitive battles for the starting role, affirming his selflessness and team-first mentality that endeared him to the entire roster.

Long-Term Impact

Following Mario Danelo's death, the established the Mario Danelo Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor his contributions to the football program, with funds raised through events such as the Mario Danelo Kicking Academy held annually in its early years starting in 2009. The Mario Danelo Memorial Scholarship Fund remains active as of 2025, supporting USC football walk-ons. The academy, a high school kicking camp, helped develop young talent and perpetuate his legacy as a record-setting in its initial years, with his father, former kicker Joe Danelo, serving as a guest coach. These initiatives provided ongoing support for aspiring USC student-athletes, emphasizing the values of perseverance and precision that defined Danelo's career. Joe Danelo has remained active in youth football coaching post-2007, drawing on his son's memory to mentor young kickers through camps and personal guidance, while publicly sharing reflections on the unresolved circumstances of Mario's death. In a , Joe expressed lingering doubts about the official undetermined ruling, citing his son's positive outlook and the family's belief that external factors may have contributed, which has kept the case in public discourse. This involvement has helped preserve the Danelo family legacy in the sport, with Joe honoring Mario by training the next generation in . Danelo's story has influenced broader discussions on athlete safety in , particularly regarding alcohol consumption risks, as his revealed a blood-alcohol level of 0.23, nearly three times the legal limit, prompting reflections on the pressures faced by student-athletes. His life and tragic end inspired USC Athletics features, such as the 2010 video "Mario Danelo - Livin' the Dream," which highlights his journey as a walk-on kicker and motivates young athletes pursuing similar paths. Statistically, Danelo's 2005 performance—setting NCAA records with 83 successful point-after-touchdown kicks out of 86 attempts—established a benchmark for USC's kicking tradition that influenced the program well into the , with his 92.9% career field-goal accuracy remaining among the highest in school history during that period. These achievements continue to symbolize excellence in USC special teams, even as subsequent kickers built upon his foundation.

References

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  3. https://247sports.com/college/washington-state/article/for-old-coug-joe-danelo-loss-of-usc-son-mario-still-a-mystery-104740797/
  4. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jan-07-sp-danelo7-story.html
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  7. https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/stats/_/id/153164/mario-danelo
  8. https://usctrojans.com/news/2006/10/9/mario_danelo_named_pac_10_special_teams_player_of_the_week
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