University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Former Running Back Randy McMillan Passes Away at 67
1/9/2026 8:33:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Former Pitt running back Randy McMillan passed away Wednesday at the age of 67.
A punishing runner, McMillan was a key contributor on Pitt's standout 1979 and 1980 teams that combined to go 22-2 under head coach Jackie Sherrill. Operating primarily at fullback, McMillan brought a physical edge to the Panthers' offense and helped define one of the most successful stretches in program history.
McMillan spent his final two collegiate seasons at Pitt after beginning his career at Harford Community College in Bel Air, Md. He made an immediate impact in his Panthers debut, rushing 12 times for 141 yards in a 24-0 shutout of Kansas. That 1979 squad, led by McMillan and freshman quarterback Dan Marino, finished 11-1, earned a No. 7 national ranking, and capped the season with a 16-10 victory over Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl.
As a junior, McMillan totaled 721 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He followed that with another strong campaign in 1980 as Pitt again went 11-1. The Panthers closed the regular season with a 14-9 win over No. 5 Penn State, then dominated No. 18 South Carolina, 37-9, in the Gator Bowl. McMillan scored twice in that bowl victory. He again led Pitt in rushing as a senior with 633 yards and nine touchdowns, earning Honorable Mention All-America recognition.
His success at Pitt carried over to the professional ranks. McMillan was selected in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft (No. 12 overall) by the Baltimore Colts and spent his entire six-year NFL career with the franchise, including the transition to the Indianapolis Colts in 1984. In 88 career games (87 starts), he rushed 990 times for 3,876 yards and 24 touchdowns, while adding 164 receptions for 1,356 yards and two receiving scores.
Raised in Jarrettsville, Md., McMillan left a legacy at Pitt as a tough, dependable runner who helped anchor championship-caliber teams.
