Beaufort Stars Shine as SC Football Hall of Fame Opens Voting for Class of 2024
Beaufort is buzzing with excitement as the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF) has kicked off online voting for its Class of 2024! For fans and football enthusiasts, this is a big deal, and it gets even more thrilling with the addition of two remarkable nominees with strong ties to our community: Zach Brown and Ron Parker.
Meet Zach Brown: The Linebacker Who Made Waves
Born in Beaufort in 1989, Zach Brown has certainly made his mark in the world of football. Although he spent his high school years at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, Maryland, and then went on to Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, it’s his time on the field that fans remember. After playing four standout seasons at the University of North Carolina from 2008 to 2011, Brown was drafted in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, going 52nd overall to the Tennessee Titans.
During his eight-year NFL career, Zach played 100 games and was a starter in 80 of them, showcasing his impressive skills. His rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, where he recorded 5.5 sacks and three interceptions for the Titans, with two of those picks being returned for touchdowns! By the time he hung up his cleats, Brown had amassed seven interceptions, 17.5 sacks, and a whopping 664 tackles, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Ron Parker: The Underdog Who Triumphs
Now let’s shine a light on Ron Parker, a true testament to perseverance. Hailing from Port Royal, Parker graduated from Beaufort High School—often flying under the radar during his youth. After high school, he took a leap of faith, landing at Independence Community College in Kansas before transferring to Newberry College, where he made a name for himself. Not only was Parker a standout player, but he is also a proud member of the Newberry Athletic Hall of Fame!
His journey to the NFL was anything but ordinary. Parker went undrafted in 2011 but caught the eye of the Seattle Seahawks, who offered him a chance as a free agent. He faced the struggles of bouncing between teams and spending time on practice squads, but his determination never wavered. Parker played limited games in his early years, but a significant change came when he joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013.
In his time with the Chiefs, Parker flourished! He played in all 16 games during his first season there, showcasing his skills as he picked off two passes and recovered three fumbles. The highlight of his career arrived in 2014 when he solidified a starting role under the legendary coach Andy Reid. His contributions helped him secure a remarkable five-year, $25 million contract, a testament to his hard work and commitment.
Voting Details: Don’t Miss Out!
Fans, this is your chance to celebrate the football legacy of Beaufort and beyond! The ballot features not just Zach and Ron, but a total of 75 nominees—players and coaches who have either made significant contributions to football in South Carolina or have ties to the state. Voting is open online at scfootballhof.org, and everyone is encouraged to participate!
The voting period will run until December 16, 2024. You can vote for up to four modern era nominees and one legacy nominee. After the first round, the top candidates will head into the final round of voting before the Class of 2024 is officially announced!
Mark Your Calendars!
The excitement culminates with the 12th Annual Enshrinement Ceremony, set to take place on April 17, 2025, at the beautiful Hotel Hartness in Greenville, South Carolina. This is a moment none of us want to miss!
So, let’s rally together and support our local legends, Zach Brown and Ron Parker! Every vote counts, and who knows—perhaps the next football stars immortalized in the Hall of Fame will be from our very own Beaufort!
