Tributes keep arriving for Hawkeye Marching Band member Derek Phillips, and the messages have stretched far beyond Iowa City.
Phillips, who had been with the Hawkeye Marching Band for three years, 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 he suffered a “sudden cardiac arrest.” His family recently made the difficult decision to take him off life support.
The Hawkeye Marching Band said in a social media statement that it is dedicating the rest of the season to Phillips, with exact details to come. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz also opened his weekly press conference by paying tribute to Derek before taking questions.
Support has spread across the Big Ten and beyond. Marching bands and programs from around the country have been sharing messages for Phillips and his family, including Iowa State. Several Big Ten bands have also posted under 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 among the other programs that have shared tributes. Western Michigan is also planning a special gesture, with the Bronco Marching Band set to dedicate a postgame performance of “Amazing Grace” following Saturday’s game against Monmouth to Phillips’ memory.
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
Phillips’ family described him as a “phenomenal musician,” and said he brought “so much light, humor, and kindness into the world.” A Cedar Rapids native, Phillips also performed with the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensemble in addition to the Hawkeye Marching Band.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support his family.
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