Kansas City Chiefs tight end Willie Scott (81) arrives to catch the ball during a 1983 NFL game.
From the Kansas City Chiefs
NEWBERRY COUNTY – Newberry native and former NFL player Willie Scott Jr. passed away on February 8, he was 61 years old.
In March 2020, we reported that Scott was admitted to the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF).
Born and raised in Newberry as the son of educators at Newberry High School, Willie Scott graduated from the University of South Carolina (UofSC) in 1981. Scott led UofSC as a senior in 1980, with 34 receptions for 469 yards. He ended his career in the top 10 on the university’s career receiving list, and his 109 yards in the 1980 Gator Bowl was a 30-year school record (Alshon Jeffery). Its athletic build, blocking capacity and size as 6’5 ”245 lb. tight end made him a choice in the first round (third player in UofSC history) and 14th overall in the 1981 NFL Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs. He would be the second choice of the draft of the first round with draws with Gamecock that year, since George Rogers, the winner of the Heisman Trophy, was the number one overall for the New Orleans Saints. Scott stayed with the Chiefs in 1985 and then signed with the New England Patriots in 1986 and stayed there until 1988.
Since retiring from football, Scott has spent time training in NFL, college and high school. These coaching stops include New England Patriots, East Carolina, South Carolina State, Savannah State and Newberry College. He also trained 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 for the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. He was recognized as part of the all-time football team of the modern era at the University of South Carolina.
Since 1999, the Newberry County Touchdown Club has presented the Willie Scott Jr. Award, to a Newberry County native who excelled in college on and off the field, in honor of Scott.
“Willie was a great athlete, but an even better person,” said Mike Ware, football coach at Scott’s school. “Probably one of the best ever at Newberry High.”
“Sir. Scott was a guy you admired in the sports and academic arena, most people knew his mom and dad (both worked at Newberry High) and they always talked about ‘Scottie’ they always said what he did, they were so proud of him. He felt like he was part of his family because of his parents, “said Prosperity Police Chief Wesley Palmore.” He also ran and I admired him for his achievements in athletics and football. you see, he was always a happy person and he took the time to talk to you, ask about his family – he was just a good person. ”
Contact Andrew Wigger @ 803-768-3122 or Twitter @TheNBOnews.