Voice of Gamecock Football Speaks to U of SC NSMA Student Chapter

By Summer Huechtker

“Are you ready for Carolina football…”

That’s the line Todd Ellis uses to start every radio broadcast for gamecock football. His deep, poised voice lets South Carolina football fans know it’s time to settle in for an exciting day of college football.

Ellis’ passion for gamecock football came way before he was the Gamecocks' official play-by-play announcer on Learfield IMG Sports Network.

Ellis was the South Carolina quarterback from 1986 to 1989, is the leading passer in school history, and played in 42 games at South Carolina.

“I’ve been a major college quarterback, a trial lawyer, and a broadcaster,” said Ellis. “You don’t think I’ve taken my bullets over the years?”

Ellis told students at the University of South Carolina’s NSMA chapter meeting Tuesday night to not be afraid of failure.

“Take your shot,” he said, pointing at students and looking them in the eyes.

Ellis has been well accomplished across multiple careers and worked with many notable people. He said there is nobody he has ever respected that didn’t have a major failure in life. He went on to share stories of his personal shortcomings, like being cut from an NFL roster.

“The people who don’t go out and take their shot because they’re afraid of that short-term criticism, that’s what you’re going to regret,” he said.

He said he doesn’t want anyone to wake up one day when they are his age and have regrets.

“Find something you love and get good at it. Period,” Ellis advised students. “Be aggressive, be assertive guys, go find a way.”

He told students to find a niche and go after it. He said for example, if you are passionate about talking about baseball, pursue it and make a career out of it.

He advised students interested in a career in sports media to practice writing, producing, talking out loud, and asking questions. He told students a key to being successful is being confident.

He also explained how in today’s day and age social media critics are more prevalent than ever. He has been criticized on Twitter many of times, but told students to not be distracted by society’s views. Most importantly, he said, “don’t let society’s views over power your goals.”

“Take steps for your goal every day,” Ellis said.

Ellis has been in radio broadcasting for 16 years and says his passion for gamecock football is still as strong as ever.

“They cut the grass in spring ball, I still get a chill up my spine,” he said.

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