Born and raised in Newberry, SC as the son of educators at Newberry High School, Willie Scott graduated from the University of South Carolina (UofSC) in 1981. Scott lead UofSC in receiving as a senior in 1980 with 34 receptions for 469 yards. He finished his career in the top 10 on the school’s career reception list, and his 109 yards in the 1980 Gator Bowl was a school record for 30 years (Alshon Jeffery). His athleticism, blocking ability, and size as a 6’5” 245lb tight end made him a first-round pick (3rd player in UofSC history) and 14th overall in the 1981 NFL Draft to the Kansas City Chiefs. He would be the second first round draft pick with Gamecock ties that year, as George Rogers, the Heisman Trophy winner went number one overall to the New Orleans Saints. Scott stayed with the Chiefs through 1985 and then signed with the New England Patriots in 1986 and stayed there until 1988.

Since retiring from playing, Scott has spent time coaching at the NFL, college, and high school level. Those coaching stops include the New England Patriots, East Carolina, South Carolina State, Savannah State, and Newberry College. He has also coached at Brookland-Cayce, Calhoun County, Pelion, and Saluda High Schools.

Willie Scott is a 2006 member of the University of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame and the SEC (Southeastern Conference) Hall of Fame. In 2004 he was selected to the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.  He was recognized as part of the University of South Carolina modern era all-time football team.

Photo Credit: Kansas City Chiefs