Petitbon first attended Loyola University New Orleans on a track and field scholarship and left after his freshman year to play college football for the Tulane Green Wave.
[5] Petitbon was born in New Orleans on April 18, 1938 to a French immigrant father and American mother.
[6][7] He attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans, where he played on the football team, winning a state championship.
[8] In a 1954 game against rival Holy Cross, Petitbon threw an 88-yard touchdown pass to Billy Ladner, the longest completion in school history.
After his freshman year, Petitbon transferred to Tulane University, where he became the Green Wave's quarterback under coach Andy Pilney.
His Tulane career average of 24.3 yards per kick return set a school record, which has since been surpassed.
In 1960, hall of fame coach George Halas switched Petitbon to safety, where he would play the next 13 years.
One of his defensive coordinators with the Bears was future hall of fame coach George Allen.
[13][14] During this time period, Petitbon was considered one of the top defensive minds and innovators in football.
During his tenure in Washington, the team won Super Bowls XVII, XXII, and XXVI.
Aging and underachieving, the team finished 4–12 and Petibon was dismissed by Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke in favor of archrival Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
[6] As of October 17, 2024, Petitbon was among 12 candidates selected for possible induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025, as a coach.