The "Great Eight" Football Players

2025-2026 Bill 909: The "Great Eight" Football Players - South Carolina Legislature Online

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
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S. 909
STATUS INFORMATION
Senate Resolution
Sponsors: Senator Tedder
Document Path: LC-0644WAB-AR26.docx
Introduced in the Senate on February 10, 2026
Adopted by the Senate on February 10, 2026
Summary: The "Great Eight" Football Players
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Date

Body

Action Description with journal page number

2/10/2026

Senate

Introduced and adopted (
Senate Journal-page 9
)

View the latest
legislative information
at the website
VERSIONS OF THIS BILL
02/10/2026

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.

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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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,

B
e it resolved by the
Senate
:

T
hat 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 1:08 PM