Louisiana Tech University’s quarterback room in the mid-1960s was a revolving door of talent that included a rugged young player known more for chasing ducks than touchdowns: Phil Robertson, star of “Duck Dynasty.”

On Sunday, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the Robertson family announced that Phil, 79, had passed away. 

His son, Jase, shared on X, “My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed, but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again! #PhilRobertson #Jesus.”

Shortly after the news broke, Louisiana Tech Football took to X to express their sadness and honor Robertson’s legacy. 

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of former LA Tech quarterback Phil Robertson. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Robertson family during this time.”

Robertson, born April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, arrived on campus in 1965 and saw his first action as a backup in the season opener against Rice, completing 3-of-5 passes for 37 yards and rushing twice for 3 yards in a 14-0 loss.

Over the next two seasons (1966-67), Robertson took over as the Bulldogs’ starter, finishing his college career with 2,237 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in a combined 8-20 record for Louisiana Tech.

In 1968, opting to pursue his passion for the outdoors, Robertson stepped away from football, surrendering the starting job to a young Terry Bradshaw, who would later lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl titles and earn a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Television personality Phil Robertson (left).

Chuck Cook-Imagn Images

After earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education, Robertson returned to his roots in hunting. 

In 1972, he and his family founded Duck Commander, a company specializing in duck calls crafted from Louisiana cedar wood. 

Decades later, the Robertsons’ business success and larger-than-life personalities spawned the hit A&E reality series “Duck Dynasty” (2012-2017), which chronicled the family’s duck-hunting empire.

The series became one of cable television’s top-rated shows, making Robertson the affable face of the franchise and a cultural icon.