Pitt Legend Jimbo Covert Gets Hall Of Fame Nod

Former Pittsburgh Panthers player Jimbo Covert is surrounded by his former teammates after having his number retired at halftime between the Pittsburgh Panthers
Photo credit (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

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PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - Former Pitt offensive tackle Jimbo Covert is heading to Canton.

It was announced on the NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” that the legendary Panther is going to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Covert is a member of the 20-member 2020 Centennial Class celebrating the NFL’s 100th season.

Covert joins defensive end/linebacker Chris Doleman, tight end Mike Ditka, running back Tony Dorsett, offensive lineman Russ Grimm, linebacker Rickey Jackson, quarterback Dan Marino, running back Curtis Martin and linebacker Joe Schmidt as the ninth Panther to be enshrined.

“The Panthers are roaring with pride today with the announcement that Jimbo Covert will be enshrined in Canton,” Pitt Director of Athletics Heather Lyke said. “Jimbo truly represents the very best of the University of Pittsburgh. His legendary accomplishments in football are well known, but his impact after football, and certainly on our university, are in many ways even greater. Jimbo is an extraordinary person and we are thrilled that he is receiving this richly deserved honor.”
“We are absolutely thrilled that Jimbo will receive this highly deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi said. “He has been a Hall of Famer in every aspect of his life. Jimbo sets a tremendous example for our current players. On a personal note, I have greatly appreciated his support and guidance during my time at Pitt. On behalf of Panthers everywhere, congratulations, Jimbo!”

Covert is a native of Conway, PA and started his career at Pitt in 1978 on the defensive line but a shoulder injury put him on the shelf for the 1979 season, when he was redshirted.

Covert was urged by offensive line coach to switch to offensive tackle and that is where he found success.

Surrendering only three sacks during his final three years, Covert did not give up a single sack his All-American senior year.

Pitt finished in the top 10 Coverts three season and went 31-5 during his time.

Covert was then drafted by the Chicago Bears and head coach Ditka in 1983, where went on to have a great career, including a Super Bowl with in 1985 when the Bears beat the New England Patriots 46-10.

 “Jimbo had the respect of all his teammates and all his coaches,” Ditka said.

Covert’s No. 75 was retired by Pitt in 2015 and he is a member of the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame

He is also a member of the WPIAL Hall of Fame.

Jimbo CovertUniversity of Pittsburgh Athletics

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