Sports
The Pee Dee region of South Carolina has produced a remarkable number of athletes who have excelled at the highest levels of their respective sports. These sports figures not only brought recognition to the region but also inspired future generations of athletes through their talent, dedication, and perseverance.
The Pee Dee region has also been a hotbed for football talent. Lawrence Timmons, a native of Florence, rose to prominence as a linebacker in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His success underscores the strength of the region’s football tradition, with many players going on to have outstanding careers at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Baseball great Reggie Sanders, born in Florence, is another shining example of Pee Dee talent. Sanders enjoyed a long and successful career in Major League Baseball, playing for several teams and earning an All-Star selection. His achievements on the diamond continue to inspire young athletes in the region.
These sports figures, along with many others, have left a lasting impact on the athletic landscape. Their achievements are a source of pride for the Pee Dee region, showcasing the area’s ability to nurture athletes who reach the pinnacle of their sports.
John Antonio Abraham - Darlington County
NFL defensive end, played for the Atlanta Falcons
Dr. Thomas Lee Adams, Jr. - Florence County
One of the first African Americans to officiate an NFL game nationally televised on a major TV network.
Larry Alexander - Florence County
Drafted by the NY Mets in 1967 and played for their farm team.
La'Tangela Atkinson - Lee County
Guard in WMBA for Seattle Storm.
Robert Ayers - Marlboro County
Outside linebacker for the Denver Broncos.
Rufus Bess, Jr. - Darlington County
NFL cornerback for Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, and Minnesota Vikings.
Roderick Blakney - Darlington County
Point guard in Euroleague basketball.
Andy Bostick - Florence County
Played professionally in Europe, listed in top 100 Men’s Basketball Players to play for USC.
Antone Brooks - Florence County
11th round draft pick by the Atlanta Braves in 1995. Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 1996.
Johnny Lee Brunson - Florence County
First Florence athlete drafted by the NFL.
Derrick Burgess - Florence County
Football defensive end drafted by Philadelphia Eagles, played for Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots.
Harry Carson - Florence County
Football Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
Anthony Andrew Cook - Marlboro County
Defensive end for Washington Redskins and Houston Oilers.
Todd Cooper - Florence County
Played in European Pro Football.
Alexander Louis Cooper - Marion County
NFL Linebacker, played for Kansas City Chiefs.
Silas Demary - Lee County
Offensive / defensive lineman in AFL.
Darian Durant - Florence County
Free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2005, played for Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL, Grey Cup Champion.
Justin Durant - Florence County
NFL linebacker for Detroit Lions, played for Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raymons Felton - Dillon County
Played in NBA for New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, and Portland Trail Blazers.
Mitchell Galloway - Marlboro County
Free agent with Buffalo Bills as a wide receiver.
Malliciah Goodman - Florence County
Drafted 4th round of the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Played for multiple NFL teams including 4 years with the Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Derrick Hamilton - Dillon County
Drafted by San Francisco 49ers in 2004 NFL draft.
Michael Hamlin - Darlington County
Football safety drafted by Dallas Cowboys.
Terrence Harringon - Darlington County
Represented the US in the 1992 Olympics in 1500 meter in Barcelona, Spain.
Josh Harrison - Florence County
Free agent with Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011.
Albert Haynesworth - Darlington County
Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins, New England patriots, defensive tackle for Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Clayton Holmes - Florence County
Played with three Super Bowl Champion teams for Dallas Cowboys.
Orlando Hudson - Darlington County
Minnesota Twins, second baseman for San Diego Padres
Shannon "Pee Wee" Johnson - Darlington County
WNBA guard for Seattle Storm, member of the US Basketball team winning gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Gerald Kennedy - Florence County
Professional basketball player in Ireland winning MVP, 2 Cup Championships, 3 league championships and 2 final fours. Still holds longest winning shot record in European League at 78 feet.
Lorenzo Levon Kirkland - Darlington County
Played as linebacker for 11 years in the NFL for Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Jolette Denise Law - Florence County
First female Harlem Globetrotter.
Pap Lewis - Florence County
Decorated Wilson High School coach earning titles in Football, Track and Basketball. Also served as Athletic Director. Inducted into South Carolina Coaches Hall of Fame in 2006.
Shannon McKever - Florence County
Signed to play professional basketball in Iceland in 2011.
Billy McMillon - Lee County
MLB outfielder, played for Florida Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, and Oakland Athletics.
Cozell McQueen - Marlboro County
Drafted by NBA Milwaukee in 1985, also played for Pistons.
Pearl Moore - Florence County
WBL guard for the New York Stars, played professional basketball in Europe, inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
Kelvin Morris - Florence County
Football linebacker for the AFL Chicago Rush.
Sam Muldrow - Florence County
Professional basketball player in Greece, Ukraine and France. While at the University of South Carolina, was selected as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
Cam Newton - Marlboro County
Played safety for Carolina Panthers.
Syvelle R. Newton - Marlboro County
AFL wide receiver/defensive back for Harrisburg Stampede.
Carlos Powell - Florence County
NBA player for the New Mexico Thunderbirds, Most Valuable Player in the NIT tournament.
Reggie Laverne Sanders - Florence County
MLB right-fielder for Cincinnati Reds, played on World Series Champion team with Arizona 2001.
Walter Rod Sellers - Florence County
Played center for the Professional European Basketball League.
Rendrick Taylor - Marlboro County
Fullback for Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) and Nighthawks (UFL).
Quinton Teal - Marlboro County
Defensive back for NFL San Diego Chargers.
Lawrence Olajuwon Timmons - Florence County
Linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Joey Leverne Walters - Florence County
Played 11 seasons in the CFL as slotback and wide receiver, signed with Houston Oilers in 1987.
Taft Watson - Marion County
Dubbed “South Carolina’s Winningest Basketball Coach”.
Denise Wilson - Florence County
Played collegiate basketball for SC State, Southern Mississippi and Leese McRae. Played professionally in Europe.
Jabyron Wilson - Florence County
Played for the Barreirense Euroleague Basketball team.
Major Wingate - Florence County
Played in the NBA Development League for Springfield Armor.
