From the Vault: Al Romano
Al Romano, regarded by many as the best nose-guard in the country during Pitt's 1976 title season, will be inducted into the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 Class.
A member of Johnny Majors' first Pitt recruiting class in 1973, Romano helped build the foundation that produced one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college football history. Over his four seasons, the Panthers rose from Eastern doormat to undefeated national champions.
A nose tackle who played figuratively and literally at the heart of Pitt's defense, Romano was a consensus All-American and Outland Trophy finalist in 1976. He was responsible for the biggest defensive play of the 1976 title season when he halted a Syracuse ball carrier deep in Pitt territory on fourth-and-short, protecting a seven-point lead in an eventual 23-13 win. Romano was named the Most Valuable Lineman in the 1975 Sun Bowl, a 33-19 win over Kansas that served as the launching pad to Pitt's national championship campaign.
Romano arrived at Pitt from Solvay High School in New York state, earning All-County, All-Upstate New York, and All State recognition during his time there. He spent his freshman year filling in for All-American Middle Guard candidate Gary Burley for breather reps as well as during injury. Coaches were impressed by his play, specifically in games against Northwestern and Syracuse.
Romano developed on and off the field as he continued with the team. During his sophomore season he accumulated 63 tackles in 10 games and grew friendships with many players, becoming an expectant team leader.
One such friendship was with defensive tackle Don “Jake” Parrish, which Romano wrote about for the November 15, 1975 official game program.
Al's Junior season saw him become the centerpiece of the Panthers Defense, amassing over 100 tackles and three sacks in 12 games. An outstanding year long campaign was capped by winning the Chuck Hughes Memorial Trophy, awarded to the top lineman in the Sun Bowl.
Romano ended his senior season as a national champion and the runner up for the prestigious Outland Trophy, awarded to the best interior lineman in the country. His was the biggest defensive play of the 1976 title season when he halted a Syracuse ball carrier deep in Pitt territory on fourth-and-short, protecting a seven-point lead in an eventual 23-13 win.
Honor Al Romano at the 2024 Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame induction, Friday, September 13 at the Petersen Events Center.