University of Pittsburgh Athletics
FitzSimmons Named to NFF Hampshire Honor Society
4/9/2026 9:55:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Defensive lineman Sean FitzSimmons has been named to the 2026 National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society, recognizing his outstanding academic achievement throughout his collegiate career.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society honors college football student-athletes from all divisions who have maintained a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or higher. Members are nominated by their respective schools and must meet additional criteria, including being a senior who completed his final season of eligibility in 2025 or a graduate player who competed during the 2025 season, while also serving as a starter or significant contributor on the field.
FitzSimmons, who is pursuing his Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree, earned his undergraduate degree in rhetoric and communication.
A redshirt senior, he has been a key contributor on Pitt's defensive line throughout his career. In 2025, he started and played in a career-high 10 games, totaling 25 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and one sack. He recorded a season-high six tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack, at West Virginia, before missing the final two regular season games due to injury.
For his career, FitzSimmons has totaled 61 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 28 games played.
A standout at Central Valley High School (Monaca, Pa.), FitzSimmons was one of Pennsylvania's most decorated defensive linemen. He finished his prep career with 122 tackles for loss and 52 sacks, leading his team to back-to-back PIAA Class 3A championships and a 27-game winning streak. Among his numerous honors, he was named the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Player of the Year, PAFootballNews Class 3A Player of the Year and recipient of the Bill Fralic Memorial Award.
FitzSimmons represents Pitt Football's commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom, embodying the discipline, consistency and leadership that define the program.
