Pitt’s 2015 Blue Gold Game was a big success as the weather was perfect, the venue at Highmark Stadium was filled with excited fans, and two former Panther greats, Larry Fitzgerald Aaron Donald, served as honorary captains. This year should prove to be even more of a success. The weather is supposed to be brilliant, the venue was moved to Heinz Field, and once again, two Panther greats will be on hand to captain the Blue and Gold squad respectively.
This year, perhaps the greatest Panther, Tony Dorsett, as well as Matt Cavanaugh, will be walking the sidelines as Pitt tapped the dynamic duo from the 1976 national championship team. Dorsett was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
“I always love coming back home to Pitt and being around the current players,” Dorsett said. “There is an unspoken bond because we are all Panthers. I told Coach Narduzzi to get those guys ready. Matt and I are expecting to see big things when they take the field for the spring game.”
Cavanaugh is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Pitt history. He capped the 1976 national title season with an MVP performance against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
“I was incredibly honored when Coach Narduzzi called to invite me back as an honorary coach,” Cavanaugh said. “Pat is doing a tremendous job at Pitt and I’m excited to see the team firsthand. Having the opportunity to do this with my old teammate Tony makes it even more special.”
This season will mark the fortieth anniversary of Pitt’s national championship in 1976. The trophy as well as Dorsett’s Heisman Trophy will be on display and fans will have a chance to take their pictures with them.
“Our entire program is thrilled that Tony [Dorsett] and Matt [Cavanaugh] will be with us for the spring game,” Narduzzi said. “These men helped set the standard at Pitt. Our players and coaches walk past their images every day in our practice facility—including their Sports Illustrated cover celebrating the national title. They are Pitt legends and we are honored to have them back.”
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and admission is free. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. The Gold Lot opens at 10 a.m. and parking is $10.00. The University is sponsoring a tailgate on Art Rooney Ave. beginning at 11:30. Also, former Panthers will be in attendance to sign autographs, and a kids zone will be open with bounce houses, face painting, and games. The Pitt band, cheerleaders, dance team, and mascot will be on hand as well. Eighth grade kids and under are invited on the field after the scrimmage to participate in drills.
further information: Pitt web site
for complete rosters
