Pitt to honor 1976 championship team at opener

There will be at least one championship football team on the field when Pitt opens its… There will be at least one championship football team on the field when Pitt opens its season against Virginia at Heinz Field on Sept. 2.

Whether or not the current Panther squad can make it two championship teams has yet to be determined.

At halftime of Pitt’s opener, the University of Pittsburgh will honor the 1976 national championship football team to commemorate its 30-year anniversary.

“Welcoming back our historic 1976 team will be a tremendous way to kick off the new year,” Pitt athletic director Jeff Long said. “Our fans will be able to enjoy the excitement of the new season while also helping to pay tribute to the greats of Pitt’s past. Our game against Virginia promises to be a special night and we are looking forward to a great crowd under the lights at Heinz Field.”

In addition to being honored at halftime during the opener, the members of the 1976 team will appear at Panthers FanFest on Aug. 24 at Heinz Field. The team members will be signing autographs on Art Rooney Avenue from 3 to 4 p.m., as well as participating in Pitt’s “March to Victory” at 6 p.m. the same evening on General Robinson Street.

The most famous member of the 1976 team is running back Tony Dorsett, the last Panther to win the Heisman Trophy. Dorsett, an All-American, was the second overall pick in the 1977 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and went on to play 12 years in the league.

Aside from Dorsett, the team boasted six other All-American players — middle guard Al Romano, defensive tackle Randy Holloway, safety Bob Jury, center Tom Brzoza, split end Gordon Jones and Pitt’s offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh at quarterback.

Cavanaugh, though, isn’t the only current Pitt coach that was a part of the 12-0 championship squad.

Head Coach Dave Wannstedt was as well, and he wants everybody to know.

“Our players and prospects should know that I was part of the greatest team Pitt ever had. I take pride in that,” Wannstedt said.

The second-year head coach was then just a graduate assistant under coach John Majors, but still holds that team’s achievement above any he’s ever been a part of.

“I am fortunate to own my fair share of championship rings from both college and pro football. The only championship ring I wear these days in from the 1976 season.”

Among those championship rings is a Super Bowl ring with Dallas in 1992.

Wannstedt feels so strongly about the respect and credibility that the 1976 team brought to Pitt that he wants that team to serve as a role model for the current Panthers unit.

“We display our national championship trophies proudly and prominently at Pitt,” Wannstedt said. “This football program was built on the highest of standards and that’s what drives our players and coaches every time we step onto the field.”

The Panthers first step onto the field for the 7 p.m. kickoff against Virginia. The game is the first of 12 for Pitt.