For years, the name Danny White has stirred reverence among longtime Arizona State fans and college football purists. Though more casual followers of the sport may associate him with his NFL tenure as the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback and eventual head coach, White’s collegiate legacy is far more impressive than many realize. Today, that legacy is finally receiving the spotlight it deserves, as Danny White is honored for a college football career that helped elevate Arizona State into a nationally respected program.
The Humble Rise of a Quarterback from Mesa
Danny White didn’t have to go far from home to become a star. A Mesa, Arizona native and the son of legendary Arizona State fullback Wilford “Whizzer” White, football greatness seemed to be in his blood. But even with lineage on his side, Danny White had big shoes to fill when he joined the Arizona State Sun Devils in 1971. From the beginning, however, it was clear he was a quarterback with poise, intelligence, and a rocket arm — qualities that would shape his legacy.
White stepped into a program led by legendary coach Frank Kush, who was known for his toughness, discipline, and penchant for grinding out wins. Together, the pair would become one of the most formidable coach-quarterback duos in the country during the early 1970s.
Three Years of Dominance: 1971–1973
Danny White’s tenure at Arizona State was nothing short of remarkable. Over the course of three seasons, he led the Sun Devils to a combined record of 32-4, including three consecutive Fiesta Bowl victories—a rare feat for the era.
During this run, Arizona State’s offense thrived. White’s ability to read defenses, stretch the field with long passes, and command the huddle earned him national respect. His career passing statistics—6,717 yards and 64 touchdown passes—were jaw-dropping by early ’70s standards, especially in an era where passing was often secondary to the running game.
One of the most iconic moments of White’s career came in the 1973 Fiesta Bowl, when Arizona State squared off against the University of Pittsburgh. White led a dominant offensive showing, guiding the Sun Devils to a 28-7 win and capping off another stellar season. It was a victory that not only cemented Arizona State’s reputation as a rising powerhouse, but also bolstered White’s claim as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in college football.
A Heisman Snub and Unfinished Business
Despite his accomplishments, White never received the full Heisman Trophy consideration that many believe he deserved. In part, this was due to the national East Coast bias at the time and the relative lack of exposure for West Coast and Southwestern teams. The Pac-8 (now Pac-12) schools dominated attention, and Arizona State—then part of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC)—was considered somewhat of an outsider.
Nevertheless, White’s numbers and leadership spoke for themselves. His senior season in 1973 saw him finish with over 2,500 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, putting him among the nation’s top quarterbacks statistically.
Decades later, many analysts and historians argue that White’s Heisman exclusion was one of the great oversights of the award’s history. But perhaps, more importantly, it didn’t hinder his influence on the sport or his standing in the Sun Devils’ record books.
More Than Just a Quarterback
What made White special wasn’t just his arm—it was his leadership and football IQ. Coaches and teammates often praised his preparation, his calm demeanor in high-pressure situations, and his selfless commitment to the team. He wasn’t about personal accolades; he was about winning.
Coach Frank Kush once remarked, “Danny had a mind for the game unlike anyone I’d coached. He was a field general in every sense of the word. When he was under center, we knew we had a chance to win.”
White was also a dual-threat in the truest sense. Though not known for blazing speed, he had excellent pocket awareness and could scramble effectively when needed. That versatility made him a constant threat and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Impact on Arizona State Football
It’s no exaggeration to say that Danny White helped put Arizona State on the national football map. Prior to his arrival, the Sun Devils had moments of success but lacked consistent national recognition. By the time he left, Arizona State was a fixture in the Top 25, and the program was being taken seriously by college football’s elite.
The program’s success under White also played a role in Arizona State’s eventual move from the WAC to the more prestigious Pac-10 (now Pac-12) in 1978. His achievements were a clear demonstration of what the Sun Devils could accomplish on a national stage.
More than 50 years later, White remains a pillar in Arizona State football lore. He still ranks among the school’s all-time leaders in several passing categories, and his name is often mentioned alongside other greats like Jake Plummer and Andrew Walter.
From Tempe to the NFL: A Unique Journey
After his college career, White was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1974 NFL Draft. However, he initially played in the World Football League (WFL) with the Memphis Southmen for two seasons before joining the Cowboys full-time in 1976.
When Roger Staubach retired in 1980, Danny White inherited the starting role. He went on to lead Dallas to three consecutive NFC Championship Games from 1980 to 1982. Though the Cowboys never made it to the Super Bowl during his time as starter, White posted solid numbers, earned Pro Bowl consideration, and became a respected figure in one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.
His NFL career, while impressive, often overshadowed his collegiate brilliance. That’s part of why today’s renewed recognition of his Arizona State achievements is so meaningful.
Finally, the Recognition He Deserves
In recent years, there’s been a growing appreciation for White’s contributions to college football. This includes his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and his enshrinement in the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. Arizona State has honored White in multiple ways, including game-day tributes, jersey recognition, and features during homecoming weekends.
In 2025, White is slated to receive one of the highest honors yet: a permanent display at Sun Devil Stadium celebrating his legendary run from 1971 to 1973. The exhibit will feature photos, game footage, and memorabilia from his college career, as well as interactive features for younger fans to learn about his era.
For White, the recognition is not just about personal accolades—it’s about the legacy of the Sun Devil program.
“I’m proud of what we accomplished,” White said in a recent interview. “Back then, we didn’t have the national spotlight like some other schools, but we earned respect. And to see the Sun Devils still competing at a high level all these years later—it means everything.”
A Legacy That Endures
Danny White’s story is one of persistence, leadership, and excellence. He came from a football family, stayed close to home, and became the cornerstone of a program on the rise. He broke records, won big games, and inspired a generation of Sun Devil fans and players.
And now, after decades of quietly letting his legacy speak for itself, White is finally getting the broader recognition he’s long deserved.
For Arizona State fans, especially those who remember the early 1970s with fondness and pride, this moment is a celebration not just of a player, but of a transformative chapter in program history. A chapter led by a young quarterback from Mesa who became a legend in the desert.
As one Sun Devil fan aptly put it during a recent ceremony: “There have been great players in ASU history, but Danny White was the one who showed the nation who we really were.
