This display is what makes Florida Gator fans the best in the Country. We don't forget our roots and we don't let anyone forget that "A Florida man needs no introduction". Once a Gator, always a Gator and proud of it. Class of 76
Went to UF but have a profile pic of a dude that burned down our sister state/starved and fought the women and children of FL and the south lol. Only in the U.S...we certainly are an odd bunch
People of all kinds ... Republicans ... Democrats... Rich and Poor... Different Ethnicities... Folks with nothing in common at all .... Except Tom Petty.
Best one I’ve ever heard in my life, I loved hearing this. I couldn’t think of anyone who’s a bigger Tom petty fan than me, my dad, and my aunt, but that now changes after hearing this😂
i live in sherbrooke , quebec, canada. i am french but i speak english 2 and Tom Petty has been one of my idols since the late 60's, I admire u all for singing I won't back down in a big crowd like that to honor the legend that Tom Petty is... thanks , you made my day.... RIP Tom XXXX
I always played his music from time to time, but we don't think people are going to leave unless they are real old and then when it is sudden like this, it is very hard. I am sure he now knows just how much he meant to us because of his great personality with his fans. No other singer made his concert so personal to his fans like he did. He would play with us and we would sing his songs with him. Forever missed.
Absolutely beautiful. Tom Petty in my top 5 of artists. What a fantastic tribute and I hope he looked down with a smile on Gator Nation in the small town he came from, Gainesville Florida. See you on the other side, Tom!
This was incredible to see, from a Canes fan. I loved Tom Petty and gotta give props to what Gator Nation did today, real cool. RIP Tom Petty, you were just awesome...
That's one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Gave me goosebumps. When Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Hall of Fame, I wrote down the following intro that so perfectly captured them ***************************** At a time when Rock & Roll was split into a dozen competing camps, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers came along to put the pieces back together again. From the first note of their first record, they were both grounded in tradition, and completely fresh. It was as if they had looked at all the possibilities Rock had to offer, and built their music out of only the best parts. Over time each of the Heartbreakers emerged as a songwriter, singer, and record producer. Each had success outside of the band . . . yet when they came together they put all their talents behind Petty's vision. Petty's idea of Rock & Roll was stubborn and rebellious, but full of idealism. To Petty, Rock held up the chance of living a life of community and creativity, without compromise. He never backed off that belief. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers made music like the last of the true believers. They gave back to their audience what they took from Rock & Roll themselves . . . the best of everything. ***************************** That's what I wish America were like -- that we'd look at the possibilities that life has to offer, and build our country out of only the best parts. Even in our philosophical differences, we could achieve greatness by pursuing our interests in the spirit of that intro. And that "without compromise" is about doing what's right even when it comes at a cost. "a life of community and creativity" -- just imagine what we could do: www.makeamericagreatforonce.blog
This was great. I've been watching it all day... Play it during every game going forward! What a touching tribute. As a Gator, it's great to see even the rivals give respect to the tribute. RIP Tom. Your music lives on forever!
Not a Gators' fan, but this is truely AWESOME !! Still can't wrap my head around it. One of my favorite artists of all time! Saw him during the Southern Accents Tour at Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH. An incredible man and talent !!!
Don’t care much about college football or sports in general but this was a class act! It’s restored my faith in humanity to know that in this audience you have all kinds of races, political affiliations, views and opinions yet all are together in harmony. Thank you Florida Gators👍🏻
Tom was at this version of half time show in spirit (ok 4th 1/4) this was the best ever, gotta know he's smiling down on everyone. To know he was this loved is spectacular!
This man touched so many people. I so wish we did not lose him when we need him the most 🤔👍 this is the biggest out pouring I have ever seen across the board For maybe any entertainer I have have ever seen. We ❤️ you tom. Rest well brother ❤️
GATOR NATION right there son! To my understanding, he had a place right down the road from me over there in St. Aug. Proud of the REAL gator fans showing their love.
Gators this Seminole plants our flaming spear in tribute to Tom Petty & the Class Act the Swamp performed! Well Done! Tom would smile that shy grin and shrug in amazement of all of us he touched.
What A Most Beautiful Heartfelt Tribute!..My Heart Swelled With A Sea Of Tears, And Love All At The Same Time! This Was So Emotional..Tom Was So Loved And Honored By All Those Beautiful People, A Legendary True Rock Star! Mr Tom Petty Your Music Will Forever Play On! Thank You For All The Great Songs And Your Heart Felt Lyrics..I Miss You Already! I'll Love You Forever!❤ Goin To Soon! But You Will Never Be Forgotten.. You Stood Your Ground..Thank You! Florida Gators..Please! Keep Useing This Song! Tom Is Your Hometown American Boy.. A Rock Legend Keep His Memory Alive! Be Proud! "Well, I Know What's Right.. I Got Just One Life.. In A World That Keeps On Pushing' Me Around.. But Ill Stand My Ground." Tom Petty And I Am Glad You Stood Your Ground. RIP💔 My Tears Are Falling..
I lived in Flrida until 76 ... When i arrived in Canada i always knew Tom was FLORIDA and im.so grateful to hwve seen him live since 1986 4 times too Ges a great soul and i think we ALL AGREE he was down to Earth ...until Oct 2nd 2017 Blessed are we Tommy made us our soundtrack to every summer and all the rest too ..FLY PEACEFULLY TOM PETTY ✌🏿💖😎🎶
I'm sure Tom is ROCKING THE HEAVENS ABOVE just like this great crowd ROCKED THE SWAMP!!! GREAT JOB ONE N ALL!!!!!!!! RIP too one of the GREAT ONES Tom Petty.
Thank you so very much for posting this whole thing!! This is lifting my heavy heart! What a wonderful idea, what a brilliant thing to do! Thank you to the Florida Gators for honoring Tom Petty!!
This had me in tears. 90,000 people singing “Won’t Back Down” If you look to the top right of the screen, Tom’s phots are shown too. What a wonderful tribute. I hope his granddaughter gets to go to a game & experience how loved 🥰 her grandpa was ❤️
Amazing man who called Gainesville his home and where he got his start it was very moving and honestly I wish we did this every third quarter because we won't back down
This brought tears to my eyes its not often we see someone showing some love. Let alone a hundred thousand people. This Unity and love for something positive is exactly what we need in this world right now. Why can't we all take this example and run with it. Well done Florida you changed my mind letting me know that there is still many good people out there.
Now that is just the most incredible thing I have seen for a long time! Tom was smiling in heaven. This makes me proud to live in Florida! God bless every person in that stadium!
Bill Burr's podcast brought me here. Wow! Awesome tribute. Warms the heart to see my Alma Matter display such a classy act for one of Gainesville's own. GO GATORS!!
I’ve watched this so many times since Tom’s untimely death. This right here shows how much America - and the WORLD - LOVED him and his music sooo much. He touched us all in our hearts ♥️ R.I.P. our dear friend 💜💟☮️ we all miss you so very much 🎸🎶🎩💜
When the lights went down and Tom and the Heartbreakers took stage all became right with the world for a few hours. He put an attitude in your heart that never could really go away.
I was very lucky to meet Tom Petty on a couple of his return visits home to Gainesville while attending the University of Florida (1980-1986). He was a true Patriot & Loved the USA with all of his heart! RIP Brother!
This is one of the MANY great things about sports and their fans... this was a moment to honor a legend in Tom Petty and I would bet anything that gator fans and whoever they were playing were singing this song in sync! great way to honor Tom Petty that s for sure
