University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Get to know Jimbo
9/19/2019 5:00:00 PM | General
Jimbo Covert is one of the most famous Pitt and NFL players of all time. But, there is more to him than just his records and recognitions. Before he is inducted into Pitt Athletics' Hall of Fame this weekend, get to know more about the legendary Panther and how he made his mark at the University of Pittsburgh.
"Jimbo represents everything that is great about the University of Pittsburgh and its football program," Head Football Coach Pat Narduzzi said. "He was a tremendous player who has gone on to great personal and professional success after football. He embodies what we want our current players to aspire to be."
It begins with hard work
The summer before coming to Pitt, Covert was a part of one last family project, breaking down a highway median. Every day, Covert would go out for eight hours and use a 90-pound jackhammer to destroy the concrete. He never complained. Growing up in Conway, Pa., his father and grandfather both worked in the local steel mill. Working hard and not complaining is the only way of life Covert knew.
Two Sport Athlete
Covert was not just a great football player, he was also a high school wrestling champion. He finished his high school career with a 56-2 record and placed third at states twice. Covert's wrestling moves came in handy on the Chicago field during his NFL career, even if it was to knock sense into his own teammates. Once, during a scrimmage with the Bears, Covert taught Steve McMichael the hip toss. He pinned McMichael to the ground until he finally asked Covert to let him up. But, that is why his teammates all respected him so much because Covert was able to put anyone in his place "quickly and emphatically." McMichael went on to have a pro wrestling career with the WWF and WCW following his retirement from football.
Defensive to Offense
When Covert first signed with Pitt, he signed as a defensive lineman. He was set to play on the defensive line until he suffered a shoulder injury his first year. While he was recovering, the coaching staff convinced him to switch to the offensive line. The move was a good one for Covert as he led the Panthers to a 31-5 record as a starter. With Covert on the OL, Pitt finished in the nation's top 10 each season. The 1980 and 1981 teams each went 11-1 and finished as high as No. 2 in the polls. An All-American selection his junior and senior years, Covert did not allow a sack his senior year.
A Pros Pro
After his football career at Pitt, Covert went on to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft when the Chicago Bears drafted him sixth overall. Today, Covert is known as one of the best lineman in Bears history after being named to four straight All-Pro teams and leading the Bears to a 46-10 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.
Remember the Name
Being inducted into Pitt Athletics' Hall of Fame isn't the first recognition the University has given its former star football player. In 2005, Pitt retired Covert's No. 35 jersey at Heinz Field. Covert became the 10th Pitt football player and third offensive lineman to have his jersey retired. He is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and was named to the 1980s All-Decade NFL Team by the NFL Hall of Fame Board of Selectors.
Bigger than Football
Covert is a big believer in giving back. After winning Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1986, he gave his bonus to the Brain Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. When his daughter, Jessica, was born with spina bifida, Covert immediately starting working to give back to those who helped her. He's raised money for the Spina Bifida Foundation as well as March of Dimes, Boys Club of America, St. Joseph's Hospital and the United Way.
Pitt Panther for Life
Pitt played a larger role in Covert's life than just giving him an education and a place to play football. Covert met his wife, Penny, while at Pitt. Penny was a member of Pitt's cheerleading team and as they say, the rest is history. The two got married and have three children together. As a way to give back to the University of Pittsburgh, Covert serves on Pitt's Board of Trustees and was appointed to the UPMC Board of Directors. After his football career ended, Covert went on to serve as the chief executive officer and president of the Institute for Transfusion Medicine in Green Tree.
2019 PITT HALL OF FAME
The 2019 Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame Class was unveiled June 13, 2019 by Pitt's Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. The 12-member group is composed of All-Pros, All-Americans and legendary all-time greats.
The 2019 class will receive induction at the Pitt Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday, Sept. 20, at the Petersen Events Center. On Saturday, Sept. 21, the inductees will be introduced at Heinz Field when the Panthers host UCF. For Hall of Fame Dinner ticket information, contact Executive Director for Signature Events and Donor Experience Allison Rubin by phone (412-648-0345) or email (arubin@athletics.pitt.edu).
For more information of the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame, visit pittsburghpanthers.com/halloffame.
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"Jimbo represents everything that is great about the University of Pittsburgh and its football program," Head Football Coach Pat Narduzzi said. "He was a tremendous player who has gone on to great personal and professional success after football. He embodies what we want our current players to aspire to be."
It begins with hard work
The summer before coming to Pitt, Covert was a part of one last family project, breaking down a highway median. Every day, Covert would go out for eight hours and use a 90-pound jackhammer to destroy the concrete. He never complained. Growing up in Conway, Pa., his father and grandfather both worked in the local steel mill. Working hard and not complaining is the only way of life Covert knew.
Two Sport Athlete
Covert was not just a great football player, he was also a high school wrestling champion. He finished his high school career with a 56-2 record and placed third at states twice. Covert's wrestling moves came in handy on the Chicago field during his NFL career, even if it was to knock sense into his own teammates. Once, during a scrimmage with the Bears, Covert taught Steve McMichael the hip toss. He pinned McMichael to the ground until he finally asked Covert to let him up. But, that is why his teammates all respected him so much because Covert was able to put anyone in his place "quickly and emphatically." McMichael went on to have a pro wrestling career with the WWF and WCW following his retirement from football.
Defensive to Offense
When Covert first signed with Pitt, he signed as a defensive lineman. He was set to play on the defensive line until he suffered a shoulder injury his first year. While he was recovering, the coaching staff convinced him to switch to the offensive line. The move was a good one for Covert as he led the Panthers to a 31-5 record as a starter. With Covert on the OL, Pitt finished in the nation's top 10 each season. The 1980 and 1981 teams each went 11-1 and finished as high as No. 2 in the polls. An All-American selection his junior and senior years, Covert did not allow a sack his senior year.
A Pros Pro
After his football career at Pitt, Covert went on to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft when the Chicago Bears drafted him sixth overall. Today, Covert is known as one of the best lineman in Bears history after being named to four straight All-Pro teams and leading the Bears to a 46-10 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.
Remember the Name
Being inducted into Pitt Athletics' Hall of Fame isn't the first recognition the University has given its former star football player. In 2005, Pitt retired Covert's No. 35 jersey at Heinz Field. Covert became the 10th Pitt football player and third offensive lineman to have his jersey retired. He is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and was named to the 1980s All-Decade NFL Team by the NFL Hall of Fame Board of Selectors.
Bigger than Football
Covert is a big believer in giving back. After winning Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1986, he gave his bonus to the Brain Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. When his daughter, Jessica, was born with spina bifida, Covert immediately starting working to give back to those who helped her. He's raised money for the Spina Bifida Foundation as well as March of Dimes, Boys Club of America, St. Joseph's Hospital and the United Way.
Pitt Panther for Life
Pitt played a larger role in Covert's life than just giving him an education and a place to play football. Covert met his wife, Penny, while at Pitt. Penny was a member of Pitt's cheerleading team and as they say, the rest is history. The two got married and have three children together. As a way to give back to the University of Pittsburgh, Covert serves on Pitt's Board of Trustees and was appointed to the UPMC Board of Directors. After his football career ended, Covert went on to serve as the chief executive officer and president of the Institute for Transfusion Medicine in Green Tree.
2019 PITT HALL OF FAME
The 2019 Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame Class was unveiled June 13, 2019 by Pitt's Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. The 12-member group is composed of All-Pros, All-Americans and legendary all-time greats.
The 2019 class will receive induction at the Pitt Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday, Sept. 20, at the Petersen Events Center. On Saturday, Sept. 21, the inductees will be introduced at Heinz Field when the Panthers host UCF. For Hall of Fame Dinner ticket information, contact Executive Director for Signature Events and Donor Experience Allison Rubin by phone (412-648-0345) or email (arubin@athletics.pitt.edu).
For more information of the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame, visit pittsburghpanthers.com/halloffame.
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