Bobby Chandler

A standout wide receiver at the University of Southern California, Bobby Chandler was a team captain for the Trojans and was named the MVP of the Rose Bowl in his junior year (1970).

Chandler was drafted in the seventh round by the Buffalo Bills in 1971, but he only saw limited action in his rookie season, finishing the season with just five receptions for 60 yards.

In his second year, under new Bills head coach Lou Saban, Chandler began to see more playing time. He started all 14 games in 1972, and he scored his first professional touchdown in a 38-14 blowout of the New England Patriots. Over the next several seasons, he would be one of the core starters and a favorite target of Bills quarterback Joe Ferguson.

In the three seasons from 1975–1977, Chandler led the NFL in receptions (176), and he earned Second-team All-Pro in 1975 and 1977. He was traded to Oakland following the 1979 season, and played three seasons for the Raiders.
Chandler still ranks among the Buffalo Bills all-time receiving leaders. He is fifth in receiving touchdowns by a receiver (34), sixth in average yards per reception (13.6 yds.), ninth in total yards receiving (3,999) and tenth in receptions with 295.
He retired from the NFL following the 1982 season and finished his career with 370 receptions for 5,243 yards and 48 touchdowns.
Whittier High School, where Chandler graduated in 1967, named its sports facilities the Bob Chandler Sports Complex.
In 1996, USC established the annual Bob Chandler Award, which is presented to an underclassman based on his athletic ability, academic scholarship as well as character on and off the field.

Chandler was inducted into the USC Hall of Fame (1999) and highlights of his USC athletic career are on permanent display in USC’s Heritage Hall lobby.
Bobby Chandler died in January of 1995, following a four-month battle with cancer.