In a heartwarming reunion on football’s grandest stage, former University of South Carolina teammates Darius Rush and EJ Jenkins shared a memorable moment during Super Bowl LIX. Both athletes, who donned the Gamecocks’ garnet and black, found themselves on opposing sidelines, embodying the pinnacle of professional football success.
Darius Rush, a standout cornerback during his tenure at South Carolina, was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft. His journey to the Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs is a testament to his dedication and skill on the field.
EJ Jenkins, known for his versatility as both a wide receiver and tight end, transferred to South Carolina, where he made a significant impact. His path led him to the Philadelphia Eagles, contributing to their formidable offense.
Their time together at South Carolina fostered a bond that transcended team affiliations. As the confetti fell and the celebrations commenced, Rush and Jenkins took a moment to embrace, reflecting on their shared journey from collegiate teammates to Super Bowl competitors.
This reunion not only highlights the individual achievements of these athletes but also underscores the University of South Carolina’s proud tradition of developing talent that excels at the highest levels of the sport.
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Former Gamecock Teammates Share Special Super Bowl Moment
The Super Bowl is always a grand stage, but for a few former South Carolina Gamecocks, this year’s championship game held extra significance. On opposite sides of the field, Javon Kinlaw of the San Francisco 49ers and Zacch Pickens of the Kansas City Chiefs shared a moment that brought their college journey full circle.
Both Kinlaw and Pickens were standout defensive linemen for the South Carolina Gamecocks, playing together in 2019 under then-head coach Will Muschamp. Their time in Columbia helped shape them into the NFL-caliber athletes they are today, and their presence in the biggest game of the year was a testament to the Gamecocks’ ability to produce top-tier talent.
Javon Kinlaw: From Columbia to the Super Bowl
A dominant force on the defensive line, Javon Kinlaw was a key figure in South Carolina’s defense during his college career. The former five-star JUCO recruit played three seasons for the Gamecocks (2017-2019), earning First-Team All-SEC honors in his senior year. His blend of size, power, and quickness made him one of the most feared defensive tackles in the conference.
His performance at South Carolina caught the eye of NFL scouts, and in the 2020 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected him 14th overall in the first round. Though injuries slowed his early years, Kinlaw played a key rotational role for the 49ers this season, helping them reach the Super Bowl with one of the league’s top defensive units.
Zacch Pickens: A Rising Star with the Chiefs
While Kinlaw was a first-round selection, Zacch Pickens took a different path but still found himself on football’s biggest stage. The five-star recruit out of T.L. Hanna High School (Anderson, SC) was South Carolina’s highest-rated prospect in the 2019 class. He played four seasons for the Gamecocks (2019-2022), becoming a disruptive interior lineman known for his run-stopping ability and versatility.
The Chicago Bears selected Pickens in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he later landed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Under Andy Reid’s system, Pickens developed into a rotational piece for the Chiefs’ defensive line, gaining valuable experience alongside veterans like Chris Jones.
A Super Bowl Reunion
When the 49ers and Chiefs met in Super Bowl LVIII, it marked an emotional reunion for Kinlaw and Pickens. Though they were wearing different colors, the bond they formed in Columbia remained strong.
“We pushed each other every day at South Carolina,” Pickens said in a pre-game interview. “To see both of us here, man, it’s surreal.”
Kinlaw echoed those sentiments: “It just shows how South Carolina develops guys for the league. We went to war together in college, and now we’re here on the biggest stage. That’s special.”
Gamecocks’ Legacy in the NFL
Kinlaw and Pickens are just the latest South Carolina products to shine in the Super Bowl. Over the years, Gamecock greats like Stephon Gilmore, Jadeveon Clowney, Deebo Samuel, and Melvin Ingram have all made their mark on the NFL’s grandest stage.
With Shane Beamer continuing to recruit and develop elite defensive talent, don’t be surprised if more former Gamecocks find themselves competing for a Lombardi Trophy in the coming years.
For now, Kinlaw and Pickens’ journey from Williams-Brice Stadium to the Super Bowl serves as a reminder of the talent South Carolina continues to produce—one that Gamecock fans can take pride in for years to come.
