Pitt Football: A Legacy of Excellence and Notable Alumni

The University of Pittsburgh Panthers football program boasts a rich and storied history, filled with legendary players and unforgettable moments. From its humble beginnings in 1890, Pitt football has risen to become a national powerhouse, claiming nine national championships and consistently producing exceptional athletes who have left their mark on both college and professional football.

A Tradition of Excellence

Pitt's football legacy is built on a foundation of outstanding coaches and talented players. Legendary coaches like Jock Sutherland, Pop Warner, and Johnny Majors have guided the Panthers to unprecedented success, while numerous athletes have achieved individual accolades and propelled the program to national prominence.

The Panthers have consistently competed at the highest level of college football, now known as the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Their commitment to excellence is evident in their impressive all-time win record, placing them among the top 20 FBS programs.

Quarterbacks: A Pantheon of Passing Greatness

Throughout its history, Pitt has been home to some of the most talented quarterbacks in college football. These signal-callers have led the Panthers to remarkable victories and etched their names in the program's record books.

Dan Marino: The Passing Pioneer

Widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Dan Marino's exceptional arm strength and downfield vision made him a force to be reckoned with while wearing the Pittsburgh Panthers jersey. Marino's leadership on the field propelled his teammates to new heights, while his football intelligence allowed him to break down defenses with ease.

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Marino grew up in the shadows of Pitt Stadium and soon became the face of his hometown team. Marino never really tapped into his full potential at Pitt and still managed to be named an All-American in 1981 and finished fourth in the Heisman voting. Marino posted 7,905 yards, 74 touchdowns but also 64 interceptions during his tenure at the helm of the Panthers.

Under Marino's leadership Pitt defeated a Herschel Walker led Georgia Bulldog team in the 1982 Sugar Bowl but failed to make an impact against SMU in the 1983 Cotton Bowl. Marino had a lackluster senior season leaving fans wondering what might have been, but still managed to cement his place in the annals of Pitt football.

Kenny Pickett: The Modern Marvel

Kenny Pickett has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in Pittsburgh Panthers history, thanks in large part to his incredible competitiveness and dedication to improvement. Pickett's downfield vision and ability to read defenses have led to countless game-changing throws, while his leadership has been evident in key victories throughout his career.

Matt Cavanaugh: The Clutch Performer

A signal-caller known for his unflappable demeanor and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, Matt Cavanaugh's time as a Pittsburgh Panther was marked by numerous clutch performances. With an arm capable of making all the throws, Cavanaugh consistently dissected opposing defenses while displaying impressive pocket awareness. Often praised for his intelligence and ability to quickly process information, he was also able to expertly navigate complex defensive schemes.

Alex Van Pelt: The Accurate Strategist

As a standout among Pittsburgh Panther quarterbacks, Alex Van Pelt brought to the table a rare combination of toughness, intelligence, and accuracy. Van Pelt's ability to read defenses and make adjustments at the line was unparalleled, as was his commitment to perfecting his craft. While his arm strength was not the most impressive, his accuracy more than made up for it, allowing him to thread the needle on countless throws that left opposing defenses baffled.

John Congemi: The Dual-Threat Dynamo

John Congemi's time as a Pittsburgh Panther was marked by his unwavering competitiveness and drive to succeed, cementing his status as one of the best quarterbacks in school history. Known for his quick decision-making and ability to keep plays alive with his legs, Congemi was a constant threat to opposing defenses. His intelligence and understanding of the game allowed him to make split-second adjustments, while his arm strength allowed him to fit the ball into tight windows.

Pete Gonzalez: The Arm with Pinpoint Precision

Pete Gonzalez's tenure as a Pittsburgh Panther quarterback was defined by his exceptional arm strength, pinpoint accuracy, and relentless competitiveness. Gonzalez's ability to stretch the field vertically and make all the necessary throws kept opposing defenses on their toes. His intelligence and leadership were also critical components of his success, as he consistently made the right reads and adjustments to exploit defensive weaknesses.

Bill Stull: A Divisive Figure

Bill Stull remains a polarizing figure among Pitt fans, sparking debate about his place in the program's quarterbacking history.

Beyond Quarterbacks: A Galaxy of Gridiron Greats

While quarterbacks often steal the spotlight, Pitt's football program has produced a multitude of exceptional players at every position. These athletes have achieved remarkable success both during their time at Pitt and in their subsequent professional careers.

Tony Dorsett: The Heisman Hero

Tony Dorsett took the team from the steel city to the national stage. Dorsett ran for 6,082 yards and 59 touchdowns which is third on the all-time FBS rushing list behind Ron Dayne and Ricky Williams. Dorsett was a four-time All-American and won the Walter Camp and Maxwell awards as well. He also took home the 1976 Heisman becoming the only Heisman winner in Pitt's history.

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In the process Dorsett also carried the team to the 1976 national title. Suffice it to say, Tony Dorsett dazzled the nation with his brilliance in the backfield and firmly planted himself into the record books and the College football Hall of Fame. Dorsett is arguably the greatest Pitt player of all time.

Aaron Donald: The Defensive Disruptor

Some people are talking about him as the greatest defensive lineman of all time, and even possibly the greatest defensive player ever. The latter seems a bit much, but the former very well could be true, even if it angers Steelers fans who would vote for Mean Joe Greene as the greatest D-lineman of all time.

Donald can single-handedly change any game, which is astounding to say for a defensive tackle. He did that in the Rams' 23-20 Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, as he started to dominate in the third quarter and then sealed the win with back-to-back fantastic plays on third-and-1 and then fourth-and-1.

Hugh Green: The Defensive End Dominator

Hugh Green was the most menacing Pitt defender that ever stepped onto the field at Pitt Stadium.The three-time All-American was feared by opposing offenses and had 460 tackles, 53 sacks, and 52 tackles for loss to show for it. His impact as a defender was so significant that he finished second in the 1980 Heisman voting behind South Carolina RB George Rogers.

Green did win the Maxwell, Walter Camp, and Lombardi awards during his senior season of 1980. Green left behind a legacy at Pitt that any Pitt defender that ever followed would strive to live up to.

Mike Ditka: The Multifaceted Marvel

Mike Ditka is widely regarded as one of the greatest collegiate tight ends of all time.It says quite a lot about Ditka, a tight end, that he was sixth in the 1960 Heisman voting. Mike Ditka finished his career with 730 yards and seven touchdowns in three seasons, each of which he led the team in receiving.

Ditka also played menacing defense and even punted for the Panthers to put his mark on all three phases of the game. Mike Ditka went onto greater fame as an NFL player and as a coach, but Ditka’s toughness and spirited play truly exemplified Pitt Panther football.

Larry Fitzgerald: The Receiving Royalty

Larry Fitzgerald is far and away the best wide receiver to ever grace the halls of Pitt. In only two years Fitzgerald amassed 161 catches, 2,677 yards and 34 touchdowns.Fitzgerald was a one man force and an All-American in 2003. He also took home the 2003 Walter Camp and Biletnikoff awards and was the runner up to Jason White of Oklahoma for the Heisman trophy. Fitzgerald holds an NCAA record for 18 consecutive games with a touchdown reception as well.Fitzgerald made the college football world take notice and led his team to bowl games in his two seasons. All though Fitzgerald’s time as a Panther was short, it left an indelible impression.

Joe Schmidt: The Linebacking Legend

A lot of younger folks may not know much about Schmidt, a linebacker who played at Pitt in the early 1950s. Here's what you need to know: He was first-team All-Pro EIGHT TIMES for the Detroit Lions between 1954-62.He also won two NFL championships with the Lions in 1953 and '57. He later became the Lions' head coach.In college, Schmidt was a first-team All-American for Pitt in 1952. He wasn't drafted until the seventh round in 1953, making his NFL success even more incredible.

Bill Fralic: The Offensive Line Pioneer

Bill Fralic revolutionized collegiate offensive line play to the point that the term "pancake" was coined in regard to his flattening of opposing defenders.Fralic finished sixth in the 1984 Heisman trophy voting as an offensive lineman, which is almost unheard of. He was a two-time All-American during his years at Pitt.Fralic spent a good amount of his time keeping Dan Marino’s jersey clean and was rewarded with being taken as the No. 2 pick in the 1985 NFL draft. Fralic took offensive line play to a new level, ushered in the new normal of enormous linemen and became a true Pitt great.

Jimbo Covert and Russ Grimm: The Dynamic Duo

Both of these offensive linemen belong in the top 10, so I cheated a bit and put them together so I could squeeze in one additional player.Covert is a member of both the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame. He was an All-American at Pitt in 1982 and two-time first-team All-Pro (1985, '86) for the Chicago Bears. He was a member of the famed Super Bowl XX Bears team, coached by Mike Ditka.Grimm won three Super Bowls with the Redskins and was a four-time first-team All-Pro (1983-86). He's a member of Pro Football Hall of Fame but not the College Hall of Fame.

Craig Heyward: The "Ironhead" Inspiration

Craig "Ironhead" Heyward was known for his imposing frame, his incredible agility for his size and the ability to gain the extra yard when it mattered most. 1987 was a banner year for Heyward in which he was an All-American and finished fifth in the Heisman voting. Heyward is third on the Pitt Panther all-time rushing list with 3,086 yards and 23 touchdowns.Heyward was taken with the 27th pick in the first round of the 1988 NFL draft as a result. Heyward's bruising style was inspiring to the steel city faithful and will always be remembered in the lore of exceptional Pitt running backs.

Mark May: The "May Day" Menace

His nickname was “May Day” and he earned it while keeping opposing defenders on their heels.Mark May won the 1980 Outland Trophy given to the best offensive lineman in college football. May was a 1980 All-American and helped the Panthers to finish the season with an 11-1 record, a convincing Gator Bowl win over South Carolina and a No. 2 ranking in the final AP poll, which is the team’s best finish to date.May did not allow a sack for his entire junior and senior year, which makes him one of the true great linemen in the annals of Pitt.

Marshall Goldberg: The National Champion

Marshall Goldberg led the Panthers to national championships in 1936 and 1937 under Jock Sutherland. He was a two-time All-American and finished third in the 1937 Heisman trophy voting. Goldberg was prolific in the backfield and racked up 1,957 rushing yards during his tenure, which was the Pitt record at the time.Goldberg's rushing record stood firm until Tony Dorsett donned a Pitt uniform. Goldberg was a true general on the field, not only garnering personal success but also showing his knack for leading his team to victory. Goldberg is a true icon of the heyday of Pitt football.

Joe Schmidt LB ('50-'52)

Joe Schmidt was a monster on the gridiron that instilled fear in his opponents and occasionally his own teammates.Schmidt was a force to be reckoned with despite a variety of major injuries suffered and three different head coaches during his collegiate career. He was an All-American in 1952 and led the Panthers to a much storied victory over a heavily favored Notre Dame team.

The kid from Pittsburgh put his mark on the game and has been enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Joe Schmidt embodied the stoutness and true character of what a Pittsburgh Panther football player should be.

NFL Alumni: Panthers in the Pros

Pitt's football program has a long and proud history of producing players who have gone on to achieve success in the National Football League (NFL). These alumni have made significant contributions to their respective teams, earning Pro Bowl selections, Super Bowl rings, and Hall of Fame inductions.

Darrelle Revis: The Shutdown Cornerback

2007 NFL Draft, first round, New York Jets -- Revis played for the Jets for six seasons (2007-2012), played one season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013) and one season for the New England Patriots (2014). He was a member of the Patriots' Super Bowl XLIX-winning team. He is a six-time Pro Bowl selection.

Larry Fitzgerald: The Cardinals' Icon

2004 NFL Draft, first round, Arizona Cardinals -- Fitzgerald has played 11 seasons for the Arizona Cardinals (2004-14). He is a eight-time Pro Bowl selection and was a vital part of helping the Cardinals advance to Super Bowl XLIII.

Rickey Jackson: The Saints' Sack Master

1981 NFL Draft, second round, New Orleans Saints -- Jackson played 13 seasons for the Saints (1981-1993) and two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers (1994-95). He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, a member of the 49ers' Super Bowl XXIX-winning team and a 2010 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Curtis Martin: The Jets' Rushing Relentless

1995 NFL Draft, third round, New England Patriots -- Martin played three seasons for the Patriots (1995-97) and then eight seasons for the New York Jets (1998-2005). He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, a member of the Patriots team that advanced to Super Bowl XXXI, and a 2007 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tony Dorsett: The Cowboys' Dynasty Driver

1977 NFL Draft, first round, Dallas Cowboys -- Dorsett played 11 seasons for the Cowboys (1977-1987) and one season for the Denver Broncos (1988). He was a member of two Cowboys teams that advanced to the Super Bowl and one that won the Lombardi Trophy following the 1977 season. Dorsett was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a 1994 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Chris Doleman: The Vikings' Defensive End

1985 NFL Draft, first round, Minnesota Vikings -- Doleman played 10 seasons for the Vikings (1985-1993, 1999), two seasons for the Atlanta Falcons (1994-95) and three seasons for the San Francisco 49ers (1996-98). He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a 2012 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Russ Grimm: The Redskins' Stalwart Lineman

1981 NFL Draft, third round, Washington Redskins -- Grimm played 11 seasons for the Redskins (1981-1991). He was a member of four Redskins teams that advanced to the Super Bowl (including three that won the NFL title), a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a 2010 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Joe Schmidt: The Lions' Defensive Leader

1953 NFL Draft, seventh round, Detroit Lions -- Schmidt played 13 seasons for the Lions (1953-1965). He was a vital part of two Lions teams that won the NFL championship (1953 and 1957), a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and a 1973 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Mike Ditka: The Bears' Legendary Tight End and Coach

1961 NFL Draft, first round, Chicago Bears -- Ditka played six seasons for the Bears (1961-66), two seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles (1967-68) and four seasons for the Dallas Cowboys (1969-1972). He won the NFL championship with the Bears in 1963, and played in two Super Bowls with the Cowboys (winning Super Bowl VI). Ditka was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a 1988 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Notable Alumni Beyond the Gridiron

The University of Pittsburgh has a diverse and accomplished alumni network that extends far beyond the realm of football. Graduates of Pitt have made significant contributions to various fields, including:

Arts and Entertainment: David Newell (actor), Benjamin Tatar (actor), Fred Rogers (television personality).
Business and Entrepreneurship: Joseph Hardy (founder of 84 Lumber), Dawne Hickton (former CEO of RTI International Metals), Kevin P.
Journalism and Media: Mr. Neal Russo (sportswriter), Michael D. Murray (television news), Andrew Conte (journalist).
Law and Politics: Linda Drane Burdick (chief assistant state attorney), Harry W. Colmery (author of G.I. Bill), Robert J. Corbett (U.S. Representative), Eugene DePasquale (Auditor General of Pennsylvania), Melissa Hart (U.S. Representative), Orrin Hatch (U.S. Senator), Roslyn Litman (antitrust lawyer), Natalie Mihalek (Judge).
Science and Medicine: Philip Hench (Nobel Prize winner), Jerome Wolken (scientist).
Military Service: Roscoe Robinson, Jr. (first African American four-star general).

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