‘Pillar of Gamecock history’: Former South Carolina QB Steve Taneyhill dies at 52

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Former South Carolina quarterback Steve Taneyhill has died at the age of 52, according to the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office.

The school’s athletic department later confirmed his passing.

“Gamecock Nation mourns the loss of Steve Taneyhill, a pillar of Gamecock history. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Steve,” read a social media post from USC.

Known for his trademark mullet and swagger, Taneyhill was the Gamecocks’ signal-caller from 1992-1995. The Altoona, Pennsylvania, native shattered multiple school passing records during his tenure, also being named Sports Illustrated’s Freshman of the Year in 1992.

Taneyhill also notably led the Gamecocks to their first-ever bowl victory in the 1995 CarQuest Bowl, following the 1994 season.

After his time in college, Taneyhill stayed in South Carolina and transitioned to a coaching career that included three straight state championships with Chesterfield High School from 2007-2009.

He also won state titles coaching the eight-man team at Cambridge Academy in Greenwood. Taneyhill’s coaching career also included stints as an assistant at West Ashley and three years as the head coach at Union County High School.

Taneyhill was inducted into the USC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.

He owned a pair of bars in Columbia, Group Therapy and CB 18, as well as businesses in Spartanburg.

Further details regarding Taneyhill’s cause of death were limited.

PALMETTO SPORTS DAILY

The crew at Palmetto Sports Daily took time to look back at Taneyhill’s life and legacy with the Gamecocks on Monday’s episode. Watch the full episode below or click/tap here to tune in.

This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for updates.

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