Famous Pitt Panther Football Players

Dan Marino, Pitt Quarterback from 1979-1982, was one of the NFL's best Quarterbacks in its history while playing for the Miami Dolphins.  Marino, just recently, got elected into the College Football Hall of Fame.  Marino finished his collegiate career holding every major passing record for Pitt.  His passing records include 8,597 passing yards, 693 completions, 79 touchdown passes in collegiate career, 37 touchdown passes in a season, and 19 consecutive games with a touchdown pass.  He holds almost every important passing record in the NFL, the only downfall to his NFL career was not being able to carry his team to the Super Bowl.  He retired after the 1999 season which was probably the worst season of football he has ever played.
Mike Ditka, Pitt Tight End from 1957-1960, was the first Tight End ever elected into the Hall Of Fame.  He got drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1961 and earned the Rookie of the Year Award.  He played 5 years with the Bears, 1 year with the Philadelphia Eagles, and 3 years with the Dallas Cowboys. He retired in 1972, and started coaching in 1982 for the Chicago Bears and was named Coach of the Year in 1985.  Through 1985-1988, Ditka led the Bears to 52 regular season victories, which is the most wins ever in a 4 year period.  Now he is one of the most recognized NFL broadcasters on NBC.   
Tony Dorsett, won the Heisman Trophy in 1976 while leading Pitt to the national title.  He was the NFC Rookie of the year while playing for the Dallas Cowboys in 1977.  He won the NFC Player of the Year in 1981.  He ranks #5 on the all-time NFL list with 12,739 yards gained in 12 years.  Dorsett retired on 1990. He was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1994.
Bill Fralic, Pitt Offensive Lineman from 1981-1984,  he was taken as the 2nd pick overall in the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons.  He was one of the most dominant offensive lineman in the NFL and was in the Pro Bowl four times in a row. In 1993, he signed with the Detroit Lions as an unconditional free agent. He then retired after one season with the Lions.

Hugh Green, played for Pitt from 1977-1980 as a Defensive End. In his collegiate career, he made 441 tackles and 53 sacks.  He played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1981-1985 and finished out his career in 1993 with the Miami Dolphins.

 

2002 Panther Football Team

2001 Panther Players Turned Pro

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