Petway remained a starter in 1978 and despite being limited by a leg injury, was able to compile 34 solo tackles and 10 assisted tackles.[6] Petway, who majored in finance and attended the NIU College of Business, was named to the All-MAC Academic team at the end of year, having a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.1.[6] He switched from strong safety to free safety prior to the 1979 season.[7] He was named in 1979 as among the three players giving NIU "one of the best secondaries in the MAC" and received another selection to the MAC All-Academic team.[8][9] As a senior in 1980, Petway was selected as the team's "Outstanding Defensive Back",[10] was chosen as one of two Huskies for first-team All-MAC,[11] and was named by Associated Press an honorable mention All-American.[12] He additionally received selections to the All-MAC Academic and All-District Four Academic teams, being the first three-time All-Academic selection in school history.[13][14] He finished his collegiate career in the top-20 in school history in tackles and later was named one of the 10 players for the "All-Time Huskie Stadium team" in 1995.[15][16]
Professional career
Petway went undrafted in the 1981 NFL draft, but was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Packers.[1] Prior to the start of the 1981 NFL season, Petway was released by the Packers. However, after a late season injury to safetyJohnny Gray, Petway was brought back and played six games for the team.[1][17][18] Prior to the next season, the Packers released him.[19] After his NFL career, Petway had a try-out for the Chicago Blitz of the United States Football League (USFL).[20]
