Legendary musician Tom Petty passed away earlier this week at the age of 66. The well-known rocker was born in Gainesville, Florida, so when the Gators hosted LSU on Saturday, they knew they had to honor him somehow.
Florida honors Tom Petty. pic.twitter.com/3t8WqJBX26
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 7, 2017
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At the end of the third quarter of every game, Florida plays the song "We Are the Boys from Old Florida." The Gators continued that tradition on Saturday, but added Petty's "I Won't Back Down" after it as a tribute.
Here's how the university explained it:
"Let's celebrate together what he meant to the world of music and what he meant to this community,'' Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said. "Since we are already singing 'We are the Boys,' let's go right from that into one of his great anthems and make that the way we are going to jointly celebrate Tom Petty and the Gators."
Perhaps a new tradition will be born.
"We encourage fans to sing along as a way to honor a local legend and share a special moment in his music,'' said Alicia Longworth, assistant athletics director of marketing and promotions. "Tom Petty is a beloved figure for so many Gator fans."
The tribute was widely praised across social media.
