Legendary South Carolina Gamecocks Quarterback Reportedly Dead At 43

1 Jan 2002: South Carolina quarterback Phil Petty, #14, is carried off the field by teammates after beating Ohio State 31-28 in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images

One of the most legendary quarterbacks in South Carolina football history, Phil Petty, has tragically lost his life. He was just 43-years-old.

Petty was a three-year starter for the Gamecocks under former head coach Lou Holtz.

Legendary #Gamecocks quarterback Phil Petty has passed. https://t.co/iRaKaOyXrg pic.twitter.com/ZJuzxUpAG8
— TheBigSpur.com (@TheBigSpur247) July 21, 2022

It breaks our heart to inform you that former #Gamecocks QB Phil Petty passed away late last night.

Petty led the greatest turnaround in CFB, guiding USC to back to back Outback Bowl victories over Ohio State.

Our prayers go out to his friends & family. RIP. pic.twitter.com/dirppwVqrR
— The Spurs Up Show (@TheSpursUpShow) July 21, 2022

Petty led the Gamecocks to back-to-back Outback Bowl victories against Ohio State in 2001 and 2002. He was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Award, given to the top quarterback in the country, during his senior season. The 2002 MVP of the Outback bowl tossed 227 yards and two scores in the 31-28 win over the Buckeyes.

In his final two seasons with the Gamecocks, Petty completed 306-of-547 passes for 4,079 yards with 17 touchdowns.