What Is It About Pitt’s Football Program That Launches Hall Of Fame Careers

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who starred for the Panthers from 2002-03, was named to the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class during a live telecast of NFL Honors on Feb. 5. Fitzgerald is the 11th former Panther elected to the Hall of Fame, a feat matched by only three universities - Michigan ties Pitt with 11, while Notre Dame and the University of Southern California each have 14. In other words, Pitt has had more success launching Hall of Fame careers than the storied football programs at Alabama, Ohio State and Penn State, among many others.

Pitt's first hall of fame showing was in 1973, when Joe Schmidt, a linebacker who led the Detroit Lions to two NFL championships, was inducted. In the ensuing decades, multiple Panthers arrived in Canton for their induction speeches, including Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears, who redefined the tight end position in the NFL, and the Dallas Cowboys' running back Tony Dorsett, who won the Heisman Trophy and the 1976 national championship at Pitt.

One person who closely watched each of those future NFL greats was Bill Hillgrove, Pitt football broadcaster since 1970. While other universities became famous for cultivating players at particular positions, Hillgrove said, "Pitt has produced Hall of Famers at just about every position, and I think that's a tribute to the athletic program, and certainly to the University."

For the Panthers, the last quarter-century has been a veritable gold rush of the Hall of Fame's signature jackets. Since 2005, starting with quarterback Dan Marino and leading up to Fitzgerald, a total of eight former Pitt players have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. That includes James "Jimbo" Covert, an offensive tackle who played eight years with the Chicago Bears and is a current Pitt trustee.

"My experiences at the University of Pittsburgh shaped me as a person, from the time I stepped on campus to the time I put on my Gold Jacket," said Covert. "Pitt challenged me on and off the field and prepared me not only for life in the NFL, but for life beyond it. I've only become more impressed with Pitt's impact as I continue my involvement as a trustee. We foster an environment of world-class academics and research, but more importantly, a culture that helps students grow into leaders."

The steady flow of Panther greats has included Chris Doleman, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Curtis Martin, Darrelle Revis and, now, Fitzgerald. For those wondering if this remarkable streak has an end in sight, Pitt football fans will be quick to remind you that Aaron Donald, former defensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, becomes eligible to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2029.

Read more about Fitzgerald's induction from Pitt Athletics, and keep scrolling to learn about all of Pitt's hall-of-famers over the years.