South Carolina S 909: The "Great Eight" Football Players

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 909 Text of Previous Version (Feb. 10, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 909

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE "GREAT EIGHT" FOOTBALL 
PLAYERS FOR THEIR HISTORIC LEGACY, CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE, AND ENDURING IMPACT 
ON BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL.

Whereas, South Carolina State 
University, founded in 1896, stands as a cornerstone of academic excellence, 
leadership development, and cultural legacy within this State; and

Whereas, during a defining era 
in the history of collegiate athletics, eight exceptional football players from 
South Carolina State University distinguished themselves through athletic 
excellence, discipline, and perseverance, earning recognition collectively as 
the "Great Eight"; and

Whereas, the State of South 
Carolina has previously and formally recognized the "Great Eight" through 
legislative action of the General Assembly, affirming their historical 
significance and lasting contributions to collegiate athletics; and

Whereas, the Great Eight 
include John Alford, Defensive Tackle (Miami Dolphins), Edwin Bailey, Offensive 
Guard (Seattle Seahawks), Charlie Brown, Wide Receiver (Washington Redskins), 
Robert Geathers, Defensive Tackle (Buffalo Bills), William Judson, Defensive 
Back (Miami Dolphins), Angelo King, Linebacker (Dallas Cowboys), Chris Ragland, 
Running Back (Washington Redskins), and Leroy Robinson, Offensive Tackle 
(Philadelphia Eagles). These fine men represent a legacy of excellence achieved 
during an era when African American student athletes faced systemic barriers to 
opportunity, equity, and recognition; and

Whereas, the accomplishments of 
these athletes extended far beyond the football field, serving as enduring 
symbols of leadership, resilience, and pride for South Carolina State 
University, the State of South Carolina, and Black college athletes nationwide; 
and

Whereas, the legacy of the 
"Great Eight" is deeply connected to the cultural heritage of the Gullah 
Geechee people, whose descendants have played a vital role in shaping the 
history, traditions, and cultural resilience of the Lowcountry; and

Whereas, Gullah Harambee, 
presented by the Crate Group, stands as a sacred gathering rooted in unity, 
remembrance, and restorative honor-dedicated to uplifting historically 
overlooked contributions and affirming cultural truth through public 
recognition; and

Whereas, recognizing 
the "Great Eight" during Gullah Harambee reflects the state's commitment to 
honoring historical excellence, preserving cultural heritage, and acknowledging 
contributions that have strengthened the state's collective legacy. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the 
South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, 
recognize and honor the "Great Eight" football players for their historic 
legacy, cultural significance, and enduring impact on black college football. 

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This web page was last updated on February 10, 2026 at 01:08 PM