As UF celebrates Tom Petty Day, Billy Napier confirms fandom
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Five years after first honoring Tom Petty with the playing of “Won’t Back Down” before the fourth quarter against LSU, the University of Florida Athletic Association will celebrate the Gainesville-born rock icon on Saturday.
It’s the inaugural ‘Tom Petty Day’ at The Swamp, in conjunction with the Gators’ rivalry game vs. LSU at 7 p.m. on ESPN. The university has also announced it will award Petty an honorary Doctor of Music in May 2023.
Florida coach Billy Napier was asked Monday if he’s a fan of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
“Absolutely I’m a fan. And the Heartbreakers, man,” Napier said. “Are you kidding me?”
Petty made 13 studio albums with the Heartbreakers and recorded three solo albums, including the acclaimed Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers. He was also a member of the supergroup, Traveling Wilburys, which included George Harrison, Bob Dylan and Ray Orbison.
Petty won three Grammy awards, sold 80+ million records and has 4.8+ billion streams worldwide. What is Napier’s favorite song by Petty?
“Long list. I’ve got Pandora in my office. Feel free to come check it out one day,” Napier said.
In anticipation of ‘Tom Petty Day,’ the university, in partnership with the Tom Petty Estate, has launched a capsule collection that celebrates the late singer and his connection to the university and his hometown.
The Tom Petty Estate is donating its full proceeds from the sales of Tom Petty Day X Florida Collection merchandise to give back to underserved communities in Gainesville. Kids Count and Family Promise will be the recipients this year. Kids Count supports education and early childhood interventions with an emphasis on literacy, while Family Promise works to bring families out of homelessness by providing housing and employment resources.
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Florida athletics director Scott Stricklin promoted the new gear Monday on Twitter.
“Tom Petty and his music has become engrained in the game day experience at The Swamp and serves as a community building rally cry for Gator fans,” Stricklin said. “We are excited to work with the Petty family to commemorate a Gainesville son through our upcoming game day celebration and this unique merchandise collection, and we know our fan base will proudly honor his connection to the university.”
The Tom Petty Day X Florida Collection is available now through the University of Florida Bookstore, both in-store and online, as well as the Gator Sport Shop. A limited quantity is also available on www.TomPetty.com.
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In other Florida football news
- Midterms: Grading the Florida football team at the halfway point of the 2022 season.
- Gators coach Billy Napier on ending up at Florida instead of LSU: ‘This path was right.’
- Napier provides an injury update on Devin Moore, who was out Saturday against Mizzou.
- Florida cornerback Jaydon Hill was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week Monday.
UF recruiting roundup
- Florida is expected to make a major splash in the recruiting headlines this week.
- Corey’s Corner: Intel regarding 4-star DT Kayden McDonald, who visited Saturday.
- An ACC grad transfer is visiting the Gators this weekend for the Florida-LSU game.
- Four-star DB reschedules his UF official visit for this weekend ahead of his decision.
- Gators quarterback commit Marcus Stokes has scheduled his official visit to Florida.
- The No. 1-ranked receiver in the 2025 class is heading to the Swamp this weekend.
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