Steve Taneyhill death brings reaction from South Carolina community, college football world

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South Carolina football and the entire college sports community are mourning the loss of legendary Gamecocks quarterback Steve Taneyhill, who has died at age 52.

The program confirmed his death on Dec. 15, but no cause of death or exact date that he died has been confirmed.

Not long after, many began posting messages to social media to honor Taneyhill, who owned restaurants and remained a part of the community in Columbia after his playing days from 1992-95.

South Carolina football great Steve Taneyhill dies at 52

In the news release confirming his death, the football program described Taneyhill as, “an exciting player, Taneyhill was known for his iconic mullet hair and his ‘home run swing’ after touchdown passes,” before listing his accolades and program records.

Taneyhill holds the program record for career completions with 743 and passing touchdowns with 62. He is second in passing yards with 8,782 across four seasons with the Gamecocks.

In 1994 he led South Carolina to the program’s first bowl game victory, with a 24-21 win over West Virginia in the Carquest Bowl. He was named a captain for his senior year in 1995.

South Carolina TE coach Shawn Elliott reacts to Steve Taneyhill’s death

Not long after the news broke, current South Carolina football tight ends coach Shawn Elliott posted a message on X in response to Taneyhill’s death.

“All I know is I sure would’ve love to have had the chance to walk in a huddle with him. RIP my friend. You’ll be missed,” Elliott wrote.

Son of Steve Taneyhill’s coach at South Carolina calls QB ‘special’

Brad Scott was the coach at South Carolina from 1994-98, replacing Sparky Woods, who coached from 1989-93.

After his time with the Gamecocks, Scott went on to coach and work at Clemson, where his son Jeff played wide receiver.

Jeff Scott posted a message to social media about Taneyhill.

“Sad to hear about the passing of Steve Taneyhill. He was special to our family as my dad had the honor to coach him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, teammates and many friends.”

ESPN’s Ryan McGee honors Steve Taneyhill

Senior ESPN writer Ryan McGee is a graduate of Tennessee and began working for ESPN during Taneyhill’s career for South Carolina.

He mourned Taneyhill’s passing via X, including a nod to the rivarly between South Carolina and the Vols and a photo of Taneyhill’s memorable mullet.

“I’m so sad to hear about the passing of former South Carolina QB Steve Taneyhill. It’s hard to explain to people today the pop culture phenom that No. 18 and his rattail were. I’ve never hated a player more (bitter ’90s Tennessee alum) that I enjoyed so much as an adult.”

Stephen Garcia, Patrick DiMarco on Steve Taneyhill’s death

Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia and former fullback Patrick DiMarco posted a joint statement on social media regarding Taneyhill’s death. The two are co-hosts of the Tailgate Talks podcast that spotlights different members of the Gamecocks community, including former and current players and staff.

The post included a photo from their interview with Taneyhill in an episode filmed in August 2024.

“The Gamecock family is hurting today as we mourn the loss of Steve Taneyhill — a true Gamecock in every sense of the word. Steve didn’t just play the game, he poured his heart into it. Every snap, every hit, every moment, he gave everything he had to this program and to the Carolina faithful.

His love for the Gamecocks didn’t end when the pads came off — he continued to show up, give back, and pour into others with the same passion he played with. Steve represented grit, loyalty, and an unwavering pride in Garnet & Black. His spirit will forever echo through Williams-Brice Stadium, in the roar of the crowd, and in the hearts of everyone who loves this program. Rest easy, Steve. Thank you for giving us everything. Your legacy will never fade.”

Neither played directly with Taneyhill, as Garcia was quarterback from 2007-11 and DiMarco played from 2007-10.

South Carolina basketball assistant honors Steve Taneyhill

Carey Rich, the special assistant to coach Lamont Paris, posted about Taneyhill, who he called a friend. Rich played basketball for the Gamecocks from 1993-95, overlapping with Taneyhill.

“Sad News! I was living in #TheRoost (a dorm where most athletes lived) when #SteveTanneyhill arrived on campus and there was so much excitement surrounding his arrival..Before “Swag” was cool, #Tanneyhill had it!! He had real star power as a Freshman and I was honored to call him a friend until the end #RIP.”

What Dabo Swinney said about Steve Taneyhill

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney talked about Taneyhill during a press conference on Dec. 15.

Taneyhill visited Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in December 1991 when Swinney was playing wide receiver in his junior year. Swinney knew Alabama wasn’t going to get him after seeing him in person.

“He had that long hair and all that swag,” Swinney said. “We all were in there going, ‘Oh, yeah. We ain’t getting him.'”

FULL STORY: How Dabo Swinney paid respect to Steve Taneyhill after South Carolina QB great’s death

Shane Beamer remembers Steve Taneyhill

Shane Beamer reacted to the news online, posting a message on his X account.

“Awful news,” Beamer wrote. “I’m grateful for Steve’s friendship and the opportunity to get to know him over the last 5 years. Please keep his family in your prayers.”

This story will be updated.

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky‪@bylulukesin.bsky.social‬

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Steve Taneyhill death, reaction from South Carolina, college football

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