| No. 55 | |
| Born: | May 27, 1954 Richland, Washington, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Died: | August 1, 1990 (aged 36) Ridgecrest, California, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Linebacker |
| College | San Jose State |
| NFL draft | 1976 / Round: 5/ Pick 128 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1976–1988 | Los Angeles Rams |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Pro Bowls | 1 |
Carl Frederick Ekern (May 27, 1954 – August 1, 1990) was a National Football League (NFL) linebacker.[1]
Ekern was born in Richland, Washington. He attended Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, California. Ekern was a graduate of San Jose State University and played pro football from 1976 to 1988 for the Los Angeles Rams. He appeared in the 1986 Rams promotional video, Let's Ram It,[2] under the name of "Carl E, General of the D."[3]
Ekern died of head injuries on August 1, 1990, when the Jeep he was driving ran off a highway near the Kern County town of Ridgecrest, California. At the time of the accident, Ekern was en route to Minden, Nevada, where he was a volunteer counselor and coach at the Rite of Passage, a camp for juvenile delinquents. The camp is located about 15 miles east of Lake Tahoe.[4][5]
The Carl Ekern award, honoring the former Rams linebacker, is the Los Angeles Rams award given to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, work ethic, and commitment to his teammates.[6]