Gamecock Pride on Full Display: Four South Carolina Stars Dominating the NFL This Season
Watching a player from your favorite college team make it big in the NFL is like watching your own child grow up. You’ve seen them arrive on campus as wide-eyed freshmen and evolve into elite athletes on football’s grandest stage. For South Carolina Gamecock fans, that sense of pride runs especially deep — and this season, four former Gamecocks are shining under the brightest lights.
Rico Dowdle — RB, Carolina Panthers
Former Gamecock Rico Dowdle has been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season. Originally the backup running back for the Panthers, an early-season injury gave him the chance to start — and he hasn’t looked back.
Dowdle currently ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards and has piled up nearly 500 total yards in his last two games. He’s proven himself as the Panthers’ new workhorse and earned a permanent spot in Carolina’s backfield.
“Rico Dowdle showcased some of the best vision I’ve ever seen from a running back in my life yesterday,” one analyst raved on social media. “95% of NFL backs wouldn’t even see that gap he hit.”
Spencer Rattler — QB, New Orleans Saints
Despite the Saints’ 1–5 record, quarterback Spencer Rattler has been a major bright spot. Through six games, he’s thrown for 1,217 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception — a massive improvement from last season.
His 60.2 QBR ranks 16th in the NFL, a huge leap from the 37.1 QBR he posted in his first seven games as a rookie. Rattler’s poise and accuracy are finally starting to turn heads across the league.
Demetrius Knight — LB, Cincinnati Bengals
Rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight earned his starting role in Cincinnati after an impressive preseason — and he’s continued that form into the regular season.
Through six weeks, Knight has tallied 46 tackles, two pass deflections, and one interception. His 27 solo tackles put him inside the NFL’s top 25 and first among all rookies.
“Demetrius Knight Jr. vs. Denver,” one Bengals fan posted alongside a highlight clip, showing just how dominant the young linebacker has been.
Deebo Samuel — WR, Washington Commanders
Veteran star Deebo Samuel is thriving in his first season with the Washington Commanders. The former Gamecock standout has recorded 34 catches for 315 yards and three touchdowns.
But it’s not just through the air — Samuel has also added 45 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. His versatility continues to make him one of the NFL’s most dangerous weapons, helping Washington push for back-to-back playoff appearances.
“Thank you, 49ers, for Deebo Samuel,” one fan joked online — a sentiment many Commanders fans would agree with.
These four Gamecocks — Rico Dowdle, Spencer Rattler, Demetrius Knight, and Deebo Samuel — are carrying the pride of South Carolina football with them every Sunday. And if their performances so far are any indication, the Gamecock-to-NFL pipeline is alive, thriving, and only getting stronger.
