South Carolina Gamecocks Honor Their Greatest Legends by Retiring Six Historic Jersey Numbers in Football Program’s Proud Legacy
The South Carolina Gamecocks football program is steeped in tradition, pride, and a deep-rooted passion for excellence on and off the field. Over the decades, the program has produced a number of extraordinary athletes who not only brought glory to the university but left indelible marks that have transcended generations. To commemorate the lasting impact of some of these iconic players, the university has taken the rare and special step of retiring six jersey numbers—a gesture that cements their legacies in the history of Gamecock football forever. The retiring of a jersey number is one of the highest honors a program can bestow upon a player. It is a statement that their contributions were so profound and their influence so enduring that no future player will ever wear their number again. In the case of the South Carolina Gamecocks, each of these six numbers tells a powerful story of greatness, leadership, and excellence.
One of the most recognized names in South Carolina football history is George Rogers, who wore number 38. Rogers is perhaps the most decorated football player ever to come through Columbia. He played for the Gamecocks from 1977 to 1980 and had a stellar collegiate career that reached its pinnacle in 1980 when he won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first and only Gamecock to do so. Rogers rushed for over 1,700 yards in his Heisman-winning season and finished his career with over 5,000 rushing yards. Beyond the numbers, it was his humility, work ethic, and leadership that earned him respect both inside the locker room and across the nation. His number 38 was retired shortly after he left South Carolina, and today, a statue of him stands proudly outside Williams-Brice Stadium. Rogers is more than a legend; he is a symbol of the heights the program can achieve when greatness and character align.
Another player whose number now rests in the rafters of South Carolina football immortality is Sterling Sharpe, who wore number 2. Sharpe played wide receiver for the Gamecocks from 1983 to 1987 and was a dominant force on the field. A master of precision and athleticism, he became the school’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards by the time he left the program. Sharpe’s impact extended beyond college, as he went on to become a multiple-time Pro Bowl receiver for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. His number was retired in recognition of not only his statistical greatness but his ability to elevate those around him. His career was unfortunately cut short by injury, but his legacy endures as one of the finest to ever play the position at South Carolina.
Jadeveon Clowney, who wore number 7, is another modern-era superstar whose number has been retired. Clowney was a once-in-a-generation defensive end who played for the Gamecocks from 2011 to 2013. He was the nation’s top high school recruit and quickly lived up to the hype in Columbia. Clowney was a disruptive force on the defensive line, known for his explosive speed, incredible strength, and highlight-reel plays—none more iconic than his bone-crushing hit on Michigan’s running back during the 2013 Outback Bowl, a moment that remains etched in college football lore. Clowney was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous All-American before being selected first overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. Retiring his number was not only a nod to his elite performance but to the cultural impact he brought to the program during a time when South Carolina football reached national prominence.
Another number to be retired by the Gamecocks was worn by quarterback Steve Taneyhill—number 11. Known for his moxie and memorable hairstyle, Taneyhill played with a flair that made him a fan favorite in the 1990s. He wasn’t just about showmanship, however. Taneyhill set school records and led the team with confidence and grit during an era when the Gamecocks were transitioning into the SEC. He embodied the competitive spirit that South Carolina fans have come to cherish and respect. His leadership and charisma on the field were pivotal in building a culture of belief and resilience within the team. Retiring number 11 was a tribute not just to his achievements, but to his role as a foundational figure in a critical phase of the program’s evolution.
Number 37, worn by the late Harold White, holds a unique place in Gamecock history. White was a trailblazer, becoming the first African-American assistant coach at the University of South Carolina and a beloved mentor for countless players during his tenure. While White didn’t play football at USC, the number 37 was worn in his honor and retired posthumously to celebrate his transformative influence on the university’s athletics department and his tireless efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and player development. He was known for his wisdom, compassion, and the ability to connect with student-athletes on a deeply personal level. Retiring this number was a statement about legacy beyond the stat sheet—about building a program where every player, regardless of background, could thrive.
Lastly, the number 5 was retired in honor of the electric playmaker and quarterback, Syvelle Newton. Newton played from 2003 to 2006 and was one of the most versatile players to ever wear a South Carolina uniform. He contributed as a wide receiver, quarterback, and return specialist, often stepping in wherever the team needed him most. Newton’s resilience in overcoming injuries and his commitment to the team were exemplary. Though he may not have garnered the same national attention as others, those within the program and the fanbase deeply appreciated the heart and tenacity he brought every time he stepped on the field. His impact, though perhaps understated nationally, was profound within the Gamecocks community, and retiring his number was a way to honor an individual who gave everything to his team, often under challenging circumstances.
Together, these six numbers—2, 5, 7, 11, 37, and 38—form a mosaic of Gamecock excellence. They represent different eras, positions, and backgrounds, but all share a common thread: they elevated South Carolina football in ways that still resonate today. Each retired jersey hanging at Williams-Brice Stadium is more than fabric; it is a story, a standard, and a celebration of greatness.
Retiring a number is a rare decision in college athletics. It is not based on short-term success or fleeting popularity. Rather, it is rooted in sustained impact, character, and the ability to leave a lasting imprint on a program’s culture and identity. For South Carolina, these six individuals exemplified those traits in powerful ways. They were champions on the field, but just as importantly, they were role models off it. Their stories are woven into the fabric of Gamecock lore, and their influence is felt every time the team takes the field.
As the Gamecocks continue to build for the future, aiming for SEC championships and College Football Playoff berths, the retired numbers serve as both inspiration and expectation. They remind players of the greatness that came before them and challenge them to rise to those heights in their own ways. For fans, they are touchstones of memory, moments of magic that define what it means to be a Gamecock. Whether it’s the thunderous roar after a George Rogers touchdown run, the sheer awe of a Clowney sack, or the passion in Steve Taneyhill’s eyes as he led a comeback drive, these retired numbers preserve history in its most powerful form.
The South Carolina Gamecocks football program may one day retire more numbers as new legends emerge, but these six stand alone at the pinnacle of achievement for now. They represent the heart, soul, and tradition of Gamecock football—a program built on pride, perseverance, and unforgettable players who gave everything for the garnet and black.
