Covert enters Hall of Fame

Recent success of the Pitt football team has brought the program some national attention for… Recent success of the Pitt football team has brought the program some national attention for the first time in a good many years, but it was the players of old that received the spotlight a couple weeks ago.

The College Football Hall of Fame — located in South Bend, Ind. — hosted its enshrinement festivities Aug. 13 and 14 this year and opened its doors to former two-time Pitt All-American lineman Jimbo Covert.

When Covert first came to Pitt in 1978, he found himself on the defensive side of the football with marginal playing time, since he was stuck behind more experienced defensive lineman.

A separated shoulder in his sophomore season allowed Covert to red-shirt and keep his year of eligibility. Upon Covert’s return to the team the next season, he asked to be switched to offense and have a chance to start.

The offensive line coach at that time, Joe Moore, assisted Covert and his transition as he went on to form one of the best offensive lines in history alongside Mark May and future Hall-of-Famer Bill Fralic.

With that offensive line, the Panthers finished 11-1, and ranked second in the nation in consecutive years. During his three-year span at tackle, Covert allowed a total of just three sacks, including none in his senior season, and the Panther offense averaged 34 passes a game.

After his senior season, Covert became a unanimous All-America selection after his first team All-American season in 1981. He moved on to the NFL, and the Chicago Bears took him as their sixth overall pick.

Covert played nine successful seasons — all with the Bears — in the NFL, which saw him win Super Bowl XX, selected to two Pro Bowls, voted an All-Rookie in 1983, and win Lineman of the Year in 1986.

Covert was also noted for being a team player who won the respect of all his teammates. While in the NFL, he was once referred to as “the best offensive tackle” by Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton.

This year will mark the College Football Hall of Fame’s 10-year anniversary, and one player from each year will represent his class.

In addition to Covert, Fralic will represent the class of 1999, and Hugh Green will represent the class of 1997.