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Former South Carolina RB Duce Staley delivers ‘passionate message’ to Gamecocks
By Will Ogburn
Published:
When it comes to South Carolina alums in the NFL, few were as productive for as long at the running back position as Duce Staley. Though Heisman winner George Rodgers was a force during his early years with the Saints, Staley set the mark with a 10-year career, during which he rushed for 5,785 yards – three times eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark.
Now, he has taken his talents back to Columbia, where he once worked as a radio broadcaster with the Gamecock’s football program, to speak to the team. South Carolina’s official Twitter account called the address “passionate” for a very good reason.
Super Bowl Champ, NFL coach, and legendary Gamecock Duce Staley delivering a passionate message to the team. #BeyondFootball #Development pic.twitter.com/NXhUgPxHso
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) July 5, 2017
Staley’s story is among the most inspirational in Gamecocks’ history, as the former JUCO player found success at South Carolina, rushing for 1,116 yards during his senior season at a rate of 5.1 yards per carry. Staley’s perseverance led to a third-round selection in the NFL draft, and an eventual Super Bowl championship with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Coach Will Muschamp posed with Staley after the event, thanking him for his motivational words.
Appreciate Duce Staley speaking to the Team!#motivation pic.twitter.com/Ej3zmY18M7
— Will Muschamp (@CoachWMuschamp) July 5, 2017
By all accounts, the former USC star has adjusted well to life after football, as he now serves as the running backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, who initially drafted him. He has stayed in that position despite two coaching changes since Andy Reid first hired him on the staff.
A former resident of both Baton Rouge and the heart of Crimson Tide country, Will Ogburn handles multimedia content and news coverage for Saturday Down South.
