Honoring Legends Forever: The Six Retired Jersey Numbers That Define the South Carolina Gamecocks Football Legacy of Excellence
The University of South Carolina’s football program has a long and proud history, filled with legendary players who have left lasting impressions on the program, the fans, and college football as a whole. Over the decades, the Gamecocks have seen hundreds of athletes wear their garnet and black uniforms, but only a select few have earned the highest honor the university can bestow upon a player: the retirement of their jersey number. Retiring a number is a gesture of eternal respect and gratitude, signifying that no other player will ever don that number again because of the greatness of the individual who once wore it. For the South Carolina Gamecocks, six players have achieved that level of distinction, and each story is rich with talent, triumph, and undeniable legacy.
To have your number retired at South Carolina, it takes more than just impressive stats. It requires leadership, a deep connection to the university, and contributions that transcend the field. The six numbers retired by the Gamecocks represent six legends whose performances defined eras and inspired generations. These players not only excelled during their college careers but also served as symbols of pride for the university and its fanbase. Their impact has been preserved in the most sacred way a college football program can offer—ensuring their numbers are removed from circulation and their legacies endure.
The first of these six to be honored in this way was Sterling Sharpe, who wore No. 2 for the Gamecocks during his standout career as a wide receiver in the 1980s. Sharpe’s time at South Carolina was nothing short of electrifying. With his speed, agility, and precise route-running, he rewrote the school’s record books and established himself as one of the premier players in college football. Over the course of his career, he caught 169 passes for 2,497 yards and 17 touchdowns, setting a new standard for South Carolina receivers. His ability to change games single-handedly and lead the team through competitive seasons made him an icon. After his collegiate success, Sharpe went on to have a stellar NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, further cementing his status as one of the greatest to ever come through Columbia.
The Gamecocks honored Sterling Sharpe’s No. 2 by retiring it, ensuring that his excellence would never be forgotten. His jersey retirement was a moment of pride not only for him and his family but also for all Gamecock fans who watched him dominate on the field. It was a recognition of his unmatched influence and a declaration that his contributions were too significant to be replicated by anyone else.
Another number enshrined in South Carolina lore is No. 38, worn by George Rogers, arguably the most famous Gamecock football player of all time. Rogers’ legacy goes far beyond the university—he is a national figure due to his legendary 1980 season when he won the Heisman Trophy. That year, Rogers rushed for 1,781 yards, leading the nation and becoming the first (and still only) South Carolina player to win college football’s most prestigious individual award. Over his career, he amassed 5,204 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, putting together one of the most dominant careers of any running back in NCAA history.
Rogers’ jersey retirement was not just a matter of institutional pride; it was an obligation. His accomplishments brought national attention to South Carolina and gave the program credibility on a level it had never previously reached. Following his time in college, Rogers was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft and went on to have a successful professional career with the New Orleans Saints and Washington. The Gamecocks retired his No. 38 in tribute to a player who did more than anyone to elevate the stature of the program on a national stage.
Next on the list is No. 37, worn by the late Del Wilkes, who played offensive line for the Gamecocks in the early 1980s. Known for his strength and toughness, Wilkes was an All-American offensive lineman and a leader on a team that helped set the foundation for the program’s future. While linemen often get overlooked in the glory of football, Wilkes’ dominance in the trenches was impossible to ignore. He was a key part of the offensive line that protected George Rogers and paved the way for many of his record-setting runs.
After football, Wilkes had an unconventional path to continued fame, becoming a professional wrestler under the persona “The Patriot.” But it was his commitment to excellence at South Carolina that led to his number being retired. The university honored his No. 37 to commemorate a player who gave everything to the team and represented the values of hard work, resilience, and leadership. His jersey retirement reflects the idea that greatness on the football field is not limited to the highlight-makers—it also belongs to the unsung heroes who make success possible.
Another number retired by the Gamecocks is No. 21, worn by Steve Wadiak. Known as “The Cadillac,” Wadiak was a halfback for South Carolina in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He was a dynamic runner with an uncanny ability to find open space and break tackles. Wadiak tragically died in a car accident shortly after his college career ended, but his impact was already indelible. He was the program’s all-time leading rusher at the time and was beloved by fans and teammates alike.
The retirement of Wadiak’s number was one of the earliest in program history and served as a tribute to a young man whose life was cut short but whose talent and heart left an enduring impression. His No. 21 will never be worn again because he was more than just a great player—he was a symbol of the spirit and passion that defines South Carolina football.
The Gamecocks also retired No. 50 in honor of linebacker John Abraham. Known for his explosive athleticism and relentless motor, Abraham played for South Carolina in the late 1990s. He became one of the most feared defenders in the SEC and built a reputation as a game-changer. His ability to pressure quarterbacks, stuff the run, and deliver punishing hits made him a star on the rise. Following his collegiate success, Abraham was drafted in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New York Jets and went on to have a long and highly productive NFL career, recording over 130 career sacks.
Abraham’s No. 50 being retired was a statement about defensive greatness at South Carolina. While offensive stars often get the most attention, Abraham reminded fans that elite defense is equally worthy of recognition and admiration. His jersey retirement serves to inspire future Gamecock defenders to aspire to his level of excellence and intensity.
The sixth number retired by South Carolina is No. 84, worn by wide receiver Fred Zeigler. Though perhaps not as nationally recognized as others on this list, Zeigler’s contributions to the program were significant. He was a standout during his time with the Gamecocks and helped lead the team through some of its most formative years. His leadership and production were instrumental in South Carolina’s development into a competitive program, and his number was retired to honor a player whose influence went beyond statistics.
Zeigler’s jersey retirement is a reminder that legacies are built not just through individual accolades but also through dedication to team success and university pride. His impact on and off the field made him deserving of this honor, and his story is one that continues to resonate with those who understand the foundation of Gamecock football.
All six of these retired numbers represent more than just past greatness—they represent a tradition of excellence, leadership, and perseverance. They are touchstones for current and future players, constant reminders of the standards set by those who came before them. Each player whose number has been retired at South Carolina helped shape the identity of the program, and their jerseys hanging in tribute ensure that their legacies are forever part of Gamecock history.
In the years to come, other great players will take the field in Columbia, and many will leave their own marks on the program. But the retired numbers serve as a reminder that the bar has been set high. Sterling Sharpe, George Rogers, Del Wilkes, Steve Wadiak, John Abraham, and Fred Zeigler each reached a level of greatness that transcends eras. Their stories are woven into the fabric of South Carolina football, and their retired numbers are symbols of what it means to be a true Gamecock legend.
