Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who played for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers from 2002 to 2003, has been named to the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class. The announcement was made during a live broadcast of NFL Honors on February 5. Fitzgerald becomes the 11th former Pitt player elected to the Hall of Fame, a distinction that places the university alongside Michigan with 11 inductees each. Only Notre Dame and the University of Southern California have more, with 14 apiece.
Pitt’s tradition in producing Hall of Famers began in 1973 with Joe Schmidt, a linebacker who helped lead the Detroit Lions to two NFL championships. Over the years, several notable Panthers have followed him into Canton. Among them are Mike Ditka, known for redefining the tight end position while playing for the Chicago Bears, and Tony Dorsett, who won both the Heisman Trophy and a national championship at Pitt before joining the Dallas Cowboys.
Bill Hillgrove, who has been broadcasting Pitt football games since 1970, reflected on this legacy: “Pitt has produced Hall of Famers at just about every position, and I think that’s a tribute to the athletic program, and certainly to the University.”
In recent decades, Pitt’s presence in Canton has grown significantly. Since 2005—beginning with quarterback Dan Marino and now including Fitzgerald—eight former Pitt players have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This group includes James “Jimbo” Covert, an offensive tackle for the Chicago Bears who now serves as a trustee at Pitt.
“My experiences at the University of Pittsburgh shaped me as a person, from the time I stepped on campus to the time I put on my Gold Jacket,” said Covert. “Pitt challenged me on and off the field and prepared me not only for life in the NFL, but for life beyond it. I’ve only become more impressed with Pitt’s impact as I continue my involvement as a trustee. We foster an environment of world-class academics and research, but more importantly, a culture that helps students grow into leaders.”
Other Panther alumni enshrined in Canton include Chris Doleman, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Curtis Martin and Darrelle Revis. Looking ahead, Aaron Donald—a standout defensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams—is expected to be eligible for Hall of Fame consideration in 2029.
Further information about Fitzgerald’s induction is available from Pitt Athletics.
