Steve Taneyhill, Former South Carolina Gamecocks Quarterback, Dies at 52
Steve Taneyhill, the former South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback known for his iconic 'home run swing' touchdown celebration and recognizable mullet, has died at the age of 52. His death occurred overnight in his sleep, with no cause of death given, according to an announcement by the University of South Carolina athletics department.
Born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Taneyhill played for USC from 1992 to 1995 and was inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006. He led the Gamecocks to their first-ever bowl victory in 1994 during the Carquest Bowl against West Virginia.
Throughout his college career, Taneyhill set several records at USC, including 753 completions, 62 passing touchdowns, 8,782 passing yards (second in program history), and a 60.5% career completion rate (seventh). In 1995, he led the Southeastern Conference in completions (261), pass attempts (389), and completion percentage (67.1%), accumulating 3,094 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
After going undrafted, Taneyhill signed as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1997 but was released in the preseason and never played in the NFL. He later coached high school football at Chesterfield High School, where he won South Carolina state titles for three consecutive seasons from 2007 to 2009.
Following his coaching career, Taneyhill purchased and operated businesses in Columbia and Spartanburg, South Carolina.
