Some things are more important than football, and that is the case for the family and friends of Hawkeye Marching Band member Derek Phillips.
Phillips, a three-year member of the Hawkeye Marching Band, collapsed on the field during Iowa's week one game against the Northern Illinois Huskies and was rushed to the hospital. It was later revealed that Derek suffered a "sudden cardiac arrest," and his family recently made the difficult decision to take him off life support. This tragedy has shaken everyone who knew Derek, and tributes from all over have been pouring in to show support for his family.
Tributes continue pouring in to support Phillips' family during this difficult time
The Hawkeye Marching Band released a social media statement announcing that they are dedicating the rest of the season to him, with exact details to follow. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz also began his weekly press conference by paying tribute to Derek before fielding any questions. The Iowa City community isn't the only one to pay tribute to Derek, as fellow marching bands and programs from around the country are joining in the support.
Marching bands throughout the Big Ten and even rival Iowa State are posting heartfelt messages on social media with the hashtag "DIFD" (Do It For Derek).
Join the Big Ten Bands in sending live and support to the family of Derek Phillips and Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band community. #difd #B1GBands pic.twitter.com/QAphcpoF68
— Sherry Young (@LacAppelle) September 9, 2026
Indiana, Illinois, Oregon, and Wisconsin are just a few of the many programs that have posted messages of love and support for Derek's family, with Western Michigan dedicating a special performance to Derek after their upcoming game against Monmouth.
The Bronco Marching Band will be dedicating their performance of “Amazing Grace” following Saturday’s game against Monmouth to the memory of Derek Phillips. https://t.co/rYpsZkq3nC
— The Bronco Barn 🐴 (@BroncoBarn) September 9, 2026
The Bronco Marching Band announced that they are dedicating a postgame performance of "Amazing Grace" to the memory of Derek in a truly classy move by the Broncos. As similar tributes continue pouring in, they remind us that some things are bigger than football. This tragedy has brought members of multiple different communities and backgrounds together to support Derek's family, and we here at Dear Old Gold want to do the same. Our thoughts are with Derek's family in this difficult time, and we wish them nothing but the best moving forward.
Derek's family called him a "phenomenal musician," and he brought "so much light, humor, and kindness into the world." Derek, a Cedar Rapids native, also played with the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensemble in addition to the Hawkeye Marching Band. A GoFundMe has been set up to support Derek's family, which can be found at the link HERE. As Hawkeye nation and people from around the country continue their support of Derek's family, we must continue to remeber, "Do It For Derek."
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