Last week I opened my email and there it was, a letter from Lane F*cking Kiffin thanking me for my support. I thought I should share it with all of you.

Dear Trojan Fans:

As we wrap up the 2011 football season and begin preparations for 2012, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your tremendous support throughout the past season. In a year where we were unable to play in the postseason and most football commentators weren’t expecting great things from our squad, you showed true Trojan spirit by sticking with us from Day One to our season ending Top 5 ranking.

You made this year’s slate of home games electric, propelling us to a 6-1 mark at the Coliseum. Our entire coaching staff and players can still feel the positive energy from your standing ovation after the Stanford game and I truly believe that propelled us to an undefeated month of November.

To our student fans, I want to give you all special thanks for your incredible showing all year long. The student section was the best we’ve had in many years – both in sheer numbers and energy. Our guys love hearing their fellow classmates screaming and chanting all game long.

The future of USC Football is bright! This past year, we had an incredible 16 players honored with All-Conference recognition, including 14 with eligibility remaining and five freshmen. We also had both the Offensive and Defensive Pac-12 Freshmen of the Year and seven first team selections; four more than any other school. As if that were not enough, we’re in the midst of securing our third consecutive phenomenal recruiting class to make sure that we continue the rise of Trojan Football.

On a personal note, thanks to all of you who supported my Kiff’s Kids charity toy drive. I was thrilled that over 3,500 toys were donated by fans attending our game versus UCLA. When combined with cash donations, we’re going to be able to provide gifts for over 5,000 kids this holiday season!

The loyalty and generosity of the Trojan Family is second to none. I can assure you that everyone in our entire program will be working hard in the off season to bring you a fantastic team in 2012. We have a great home schedule, including games with Oregon, Cal and Notre Dame. I look forward to seeing the Trojan Faithful back at the Coliseum next year!

Happy Holidays and Thank You for all your support.

Fight On!

Lane