SC State Great Eight

2025-2026 Bill 928: SC State Great Eight - South Carolina Legislature Online

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
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S. 928
STATUS INFORMATION
Senate Resolution
Sponsors: Senator Tedder
Document Path: SR-0513KM-AMB26.docx
Introduced in the Senate on February 17, 2026
Adopted by the Senate on February 17, 2026
Summary: SC State Great Eight
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Date

Body

Action Description with journal page number

2/17/2026

Senate

Introduced and adopted (
Senate Journal-page 4
)

View the latest
legislative information
at the website
VERSIONS OF THIS BILL
02/17/2026

A
senate
RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE "Great Eight" football
players of South Carolina State University for their historic legacy, enduring
contributions to collegiate athletics, and their lasting impact on the
historical fabric of this State.

W
hereas, South Carolina
State University, founded in 1896, stands as a cornerstone of academic
excellence, leadership development, and cultural legacy within the 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, South Carolina
has previously and formally recognized the "Great Eight" through legislative
action of the South Carolina General Assembly, affirming their historical
significance and lasting contributions to collegiate athletics; and

W
hereas, the Great
Eight includes John Alford, defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins; Edwin
Bailey, offensive guard for the Seattle Seahawks; Charlie Brown, wide receiver for
the Washington Redskins; Robert Geathers, defensive tackle for the Buffalo
Bills; William Judson, defensive back for the Miami Dolphins; Angelo King,
linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys; Chris Ragland, running back for the
Washington Redskins; and Leroy Robinson, offensive tackle for the Philadelphia
Eagles. These players 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
athletics 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 South Carolina's Lowcountry;
and

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

W
hereas, recognizing
the "Great Eight" during Gullah Harambee reflects South Carolina's commitment
to honoring historical excellence, preserving cultural heritage, and
acknowledging contributions that have strengthened the State's collective
legacy; and

W
hereas, the members of
the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that
the "Great Eight" have shown in serving the people and the State of South
Carolina. 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 of South Carolina State
University for their historic legacy, enduring contributions to collegiate
athletics, and their lasting impact on the historical fabric of this State.

B
e it further resolved
that a copy of this resolution be presented to each member of the "Great Eight."

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This web page was last updated on February 17, 2026 at 12:12 PM