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.
My Heart Breaks today! Way too Young. Thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/ibZ879YLod
— Skip Holtz (@CoachSHoltz) July 21, 2022
Phil Petty will be missed. He was a competitor and leader… intelligent, thoughtful, gritty as heck and our QB1.
Though he is no longer here his spirit lives and his legacy will remain steadfast at the University of South Carolina. Thread (1/5)
— Erik Kimrey (@ErikKimrey) July 21, 2022
So sorry to hear the news of @GamecockFB great Phil Petty passing away
Thoughts & prayers to his family 🙏
— Shane Beamer (@CoachSBeamer) July 21, 2022
RIP Phil Petty salt of the earth guy
— Stephen Garcia (@StephenGarcia) July 21, 2022
One of the greatest from Boiling Springs #864 #influence
RIP Phil Petty pic.twitter.com/ZKkyldJsxM— Bobby Bentley (@bobbybentley) July 21, 2022
For many in this state around my age, those moments helped signal the start of a new era in South Carolina football history.
— Wes Mitchell (@WesMitchellGC) July 21, 2022
Caught up with former #Gamecock head coach Lou Holtz this morning. He had nothing but great things to say about his former quarterback Phil Petty. pic.twitter.com/wWEeDh7fNM
— Mike Gillespie (@MikeAGillespie) July 21, 2022
Phil Petty beat Georgia, Clemson, Alabama and Ohio State twice. He loved football and had a great understanding of the game. He made everyone in the huddle believed we could win. He made us all better. (3/5)
— Erik Kimrey (@ErikKimrey) July 21, 2022
RIP to Phil Petty, one of the #Gamecocks’ greatest players in program history.
My fondest memory was his 37-36 win over Alabama, a few weeks after 9/11 happened. It brought everyone together. I was a kid with my best friend in the East Upper. Will never forget it.
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) July 21, 2022
Petty will be remembered as one of the most iconic players ever to put on a South Carolina uniform.
