With 25 days until South Carolina football kicks off 2025, a look back at No. 25, Rick Sanford
Gamecocks Gear Up: Kickoff Just 25 Days Away
The countdown is on. The University of South Carolina football team will hit the field for its first game of the 2025 season on August 31st, facing off against the Virginia Tech Hokies in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.
No. 25: A Legacy On and Off the Field
The number 25 holds a special significance in Gamecock history. One of its most memorable wearers, defensive back Rick Sanford, became the first-ever first-round NFL draft pick from South Carolina, paving the way for 15 more to follow in his footsteps.
Growing up in the Palmetto State, Sanford was an ardent Gamecocks fan, particularly drawn to the "Soul Patrol" secondary of the early 1970s – a unit that shared a nickname with the Oakland Raiders' formidable defensive backfield. Sanford donned the garnet and black from 1975-1978, excelling as both a corner and safety while also contributing on special teams.
A Star is Born: Sanford’s Impact at South Carolina
Sanford burst onto the scene as a sophomore, intercepting three passes. He followed with a solid junior year, but it was his senior campaign that truly cemented his place in Gamecock lore. The 6-1 defensive back led the team with four interceptions and ranked among the top tacklers despite playing well away from the line of scrimmage.
He captained a defense that allowed just 16.5 points per game, earning him first-team All-American honors for his efforts. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Sanford is regarded as one of the best defensive backs in South Carolina history, remembered for his toughness and blazing speed.
From College Star to NFL Success
After being drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots in 1979, Sanford enjoyed a successful professional career. His six seasons with the Patriots were particularly memorable, where he started at safety and earned All-Pro recognition in 1983. That year, he racked up over 130 tackles and seven interceptions, leading the team in both categories.
His 99-yard interception return against the Bears in 1982 set a Soldier Field record, one of two defensive touchdowns he scored during his NFL tenure. In total, Sanford recorded 16 interceptions and recovered nine fumbles during his time in New England, contributing to the "Big Tuna" nickname of defensive coordinator Bill Parcells.
He finished his career with a final season with the Seattle Seahawks before retiring.
Honored Legacy: A Lasting Impact
The University of South Carolina Lettermen's Hall of Fame inducted Sanford in 1998, followed by the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame in 2021. He spent many years working in broadcasting around Columbia before retiring in 2020.