Palmer’s Return Is Roaring Success

Carson Palmer spent four days telling various audiences he could not wait to share the Heisman Trophy with the teammates who helped him win it.

Palmer finally got the opportunity on Wednesday during a raucous team meeting that preceded USC’s first workout in a week with the starting quarterback present.

Trojan players are familiar with Heisman hardware because they walk past the trophies won by Mike Garrett, O.J. Simpson, Charles White and Marcus Allen almost daily in the Heritage Hall lobby. Palmer’s trophy was on display at the front of the meeting room, not behind glass.

“He said it was just as much our award as his, that it was a team thing and wished everybody could have been there,” freshman safety Mike Ross said. “Everyone was going a little crazy.”

After the meeting, the Trojans adjourned to Howard Jones Field for a crisp one-hour workout that included a series of sprints.

Palmer looked sharp during passing drills despite having spent six days on the banquet circuit.

“It’s great to be back in L.A., back on the field, and back to practicing again,” he said.

USC Coach Pete Carroll called the workout a tuneup for today’s regular practice when the Trojans will begin preparations for their Jan. 2 Orange Bowl game against Iowa.

“We just wanted to get everyone back and make sure everyone is here so we can make the most of [today’s] practice,” Carroll said.

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USC will practice today through Monday, then take two days off before departing for Miami on Dec. 26.... Practices are closed to the public and signs have been posted outside Howard Jones Field forbidding autograph seekers from approaching players going to and from practice.