The college football world lost a legend this week as former South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Phil Petty, who played under famed head coach Lou Holtz died at the age of 43.
Petty played at South Carolina from 1998-2001, serving as the team’s starting quarterback for 24 games over his last two seasons. With Petty at the helm, South Carolina went a combined 17-7 in 2000 and 2001 and beat the Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, Clemson Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes each twice. During his senior season, Petty was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Award, given to the top quarterback in the country.
While the specifics are not known, The State reports that Petty died following a brief illness.
Petty was the first starting quarterback to play under Holtz when he took over as the team’s head coach in 1999. The Gamecocks went winless during their first season together in 1999, but went a combined 17-7 over the next two seasons with two Outback Bowl wins over Ohio State.
“I have great memories of him,” Holtz told ABC Columbia following Petty’s passing. “He was a great player but he was also a better teammate. Players come and go. Teammates last a lifetime.”
Petty was a legend in the college football world, and upon hearing of his passing, many took to social media to remember his legacy and mourn his loss.
Petty will be remembered as one of the most iconic players ever to put on a South Carolina uniform.
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