Herb Lusk

Herbert H. Lusk (February 19, 1953 – September 19, 2022) was an American professional football player who was a running back for three seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976 to 1978, having played college football for the Long Beach State 49ers.

Early life Lusk was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on February 19, 1953. He attended Seaside High School in Seaside, California. He initially studied at Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) from 1972 to 1973, before transferring to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He started his custom of praying after scoring a touchdown during his senior year, In the third game of his career on September 27, 1976, he fumbled the ball with 12 seconds remaining in the first half after he opted to run instead of running out the clock. This led to the Eagles relinquishing their 10–3 lead over the Washington Redskins, with Philadelphia ultimately losing the game in sudden-death overtime. He played in 14 games (1 start) during his rookie season and recorded 254 rushing yards, 13 receptions, and 119 receiving yards. This custom gained him the nickname "The Praying Tailback". He scored two other touchdowns that season, to go along with 229 rushing yards, 5 receptions, and 102 receiving yards in 11 games.

Personal life Lusk was married to Vickey until his death. Together, they had three children: Danuelle, Laiah, and Herbert III. Lusk was inducted into the CSULB Hall of Fame in October 2005, and was also enshrined in MPC's Lobo Hall of Fame. He then became the pastor of the Greater Exodus Baptist Church in Philadelphia, starting in 1982. He oversaw an increase in the number of congregants from 27 members to over 1,500 by 2006. His church was later given $1 million in federal funds to run a program assisting low-income Philadelphians.

Lusk died on September 19, 2022, at his home in Philadelphia. He was 69, and had cancer prior to his death. He was interred at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.