*This article is being updated live.

The announcement that head coach Gary Patterson has stepped away from the TCU football program struck a chord in the hearts of some of his current and former players.

Zarnell Fitch (defensive tackle, ’04-06)

Tyler Luttrell (safety, ’06-09)

Tayo Fabuluje (offensive tackle, ’11-14)

“I think it’s sad to see…Coach [Gary] Patterson moved mountains to get TCU where they are today in the Big 12 and changed a lot of lives in a positive manner along the way. It takes a special type of person to do what coach Patterson has done in his time at TCU and it’ll be tough to replace him. Not only because of his success on the field but also the impact he has behind the scenes with his players and coaches. Those things make him legendary more than any win-loss record.”

“I can honestly say he changed my life.”

Kevin White (cornerback, ’11-14)

Kolby Listenbee (wide receiver, ’12-15)

Robert Thompson (offensive guard, ’11-15)

Charlie Reid (tight end, ’13-15)

Mat Boesen (defensive end, ’16-17)

“It was utterly shocking news to hear today. Gary [Patterson] was the best coach I’ve ever had the chance to play for, TCU’s football program won’t be the same without him.”

Jarrison Stewart (wide receiver, ’15-18)

Jaelan Austin (wide receiver, ’15-18)

Julius Lewis (cornerback, ’15-19)

“I think Gary [Patterson] is familiar with the consequences of losing games and how it affects the emotions of those who are higher up in the university. He’ll be alright in the end. I think he embodies everything you could ask for in a college football coach. He knew how to get up for big games, as well as how to transform us into the best players we had the potential of being.” 

Da’Veawn Armstead (safety, ’21-present)

Zach Evans (running back, ’20-present)

Ochaun Mathis (defensive end, ’18-present)

Jordy Sandy (punter, ’19-present)

Noah Daniels (cornerback, ’17-present)

Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson (cornerback, ’19-present)

Mikel Barkley (wide receiver, ’19-present)

Steve Avila (center, ’18-present)

Griffin Kell (kicker, ’19-present)

Obinna Eze (offensive tackle, ’21-present)

Michael Onyemaobi (safety, ’17-present)

D’Arco Perkins-McCallister (safety, ’21-present)

Landyn Watson (defensive end, ’21-present)

Kenny Turnier (defensive tackle, ’21-present)

Andrew Coker (offensive tackle, ’19-present)

Even more tributes are sure to be seen over the coming days, as more players who have been affected by the legacy of Gary Patterson digest the news.

Read more: 20 years later, Gary Patterson has made TCU football a winner

The point has been made clear, though: Patterson made a forever impact at TCU that will be felt by those who donned the purple and white for decades to come.