Former University of South Carolina QB Phil Petty Dead at 43

Phil Petty passed away early Thursday morning, according to multiple media reports.

Cause of death?

According to NFL writer Willie Smith, “He got really sick on Wednesday (apparently due to his liver), went to the hospital but didn’t make it through the night.”

Phil Petty was named a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Award, given to the nation’s top quarterback. He signed with the Tennessee Titans, where he played for one season.

He is the third former football player to die in the last week. Former Steelers wide receiver Charles Johnson died on Tuesday at the age of 50. Former Notre Dame offensive lineman Paul Duncan collapsed last Friday and died the following day; he was 35.