Pitt Shines in AP’s All-Time All-America First Team
8/14/2025 6:00:00 PM | Football
Three Panthers earn first-team honors on AP’s All-Time All-America squad; Tony Dorsett named to second team
PITTSBURGH — In a landmark moment for college football history, the Associated Press placed three Pitt legends on its newly unveiled All-Time All-America First Team, celebrating the 100th anniversary of AP's All-America honor. Ohio State joined Pitt with the most selections, underscoring the Panthers' enduring legacy.
Honoring Pitt's Gridiron Greats
The Panthers' celebrated trio includes:
- Larry Fitzgerald – An elite playmaker and record-setting wide receiver whose electrifying 2003 season cemented him as one of the game's all-time greats.
- Bill Fralic – A dominant tackle whose formidable line play from 1982–84 set the standard for offensive excellence.
- Hugh Green – A legendary defensive end and three-time AP first-team All-America (1978–80) whose relentless style made him one of the most feared defenders in college football history.
In addition, Tony Dorsett, Pitt's 1976 Heisman Trophy winner and the program's all-time rushing leader, was named to the AP's All-Time All-America Second Team, further highlighting Pitt's tradition of producing generational talent.
A Century of Excellence
The AP All-America team, established in 1925, is widely regarded as the "gold standard" for college football honors. Nearly 2,000 players have earned first-team recognition—yet only 25 were chosen for the inaugural honor. Among them are Heisman winners like Tim Tebow, Barry Sanders, and Herschel Walker, as well as iconic names such as Randy Moss and Charles Woodson.
Selections were made by a panel of 12 AP college football writers based exclusively on collegiate achievements, with professional careers not considered.
Panther Pride
Having three players selected to the all-time first team, and a fourth honored on the second team, is a remarkable achievement. Pitt's representation reflects not only the individual greatness of its players, but also the program's lasting commitment to excellence over time.
All-Time AP All-America First Team
Wide receivers — Randy Moss, Marshall, 1997; Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh, 2003
Tackles — Orlando Pace, Ohio State, 1995-96; Bill Fralic, Pittsburgh, 1982-83-84
Guards — John Hannah, Alabama, 1972; Jim Parker, Ohio State, 1956
Center — Chuck Bednarik, Penn, 1947-48
Tight end — Brock Bowers, Georgia, 2023
QB — Tim Tebow, Florida, 2007
Running backs — Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State, 1988; Herschel Walker, Georgia, 1980-81-82
Kicker — Sebastian Janikowski, Florida State, 1998-99
All-purpose — Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska, 1972
Ends — Hugh Green, Pittsburgh, 1978-79-80; Randy White, Maryland, 1974
Tackles — Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, 2009; Bronko Nagurski, Minnesota, 1929
Linebackers — Dick Butkus, Illinois, 1964; Derrick Thomas, Alabama, 1988; Chris Spielman, Ohio State, 1986-87
Cornerbacks — Charles Woodson, Michigan, 1996-97; Deion Sanders, Florida State, 1987-88
Safeties — Ronnie Lott, Southern California, 1980; Ed Reed, Miami, 2000-01
Punter — Tory Taylor, Iowa, 2023
All-Time AP All-America Second Team
Wide receivers — DeVonta Smith, Alabama, 2020; Desmond Howard, Michigan, 1991
Tackles — Jonathan Ogden, UCLA, 1995; Bryant McKinnie, Miami, 2001
Guards — Brad Budde, Southern California, 1979; John Smith, Notre Dame, 1927
Center — Dave Rimington, Nebraska, 1981-82
Tight end — Keith Jackson, Oklahoma, 1986-87
QB — Vince Young, Texas, 2005
Running backs — Archie Griffin, Ohio State, 1974-75; Tony Dorsett, Pittsburgh, 1976
Kicker — Martin Gramatica, Kansas State, 1997
All-purpose — Tim Brown, Notre Dame, 1986-87
Ends — Bubba Smith, Michigan State, 1966; Bruce Smith, Virginia Tech, 1984
Tackles — Lee Roy Selmon, Oklahoma, 1975; Warren Sapp, Miami, 1994
Linebackers — Jerry Robinson, UCLA, 1976-77-78; Brian Bosworth, Oklahoma, 1985-86; Lawrence Taylor, North Carolina, 1980
Cornerbacks — Champ Bailey, Georgia, 1998; Tyrann Mathieu, LSU, 2011
Safeties — Bennie Blades, Miami, 1986-87; Al Brosky, Illinois, 1951
Punter — Reggie Roby, Iowa, 1981