PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh’s pipeline to Canton continued this evening with the announcement that cornerback Darrelle Revis, who starred for the Panthers from 2004-06, has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Revis was named to the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class revealed during tonight’s live telecast of NFL Honors.
He is the 10th former Panther to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining offensive tackle Jimbo Covert (2020), tight end Mike Ditka (1988), defensive end/linebacker Chris Doleman (2012), running back Tony Dorsett (1994), offensive lineman Russ Grimm (2010), linebacker Rickey Jackson (2010), quarterback Dan Marino (2005), running back Curtis Martin (2012) and linebacker Joe Schmidt (1973).
Pitt’s 10 Pro Hall of Famers rank fourth among all colleges.
Revis dazzled at Pitt for three seasons before becoming a first-round pick (14th overall selection) of the New York Jets in 2007. Over 11 NFL seasons, he was a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time first team All-Pro. He was selected to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
The man dubbed “Revis Island” compiled 29 career interceptions and returned three for touchdowns, including a 100-yarder against the Miami Dolphins in 2011. He compiled an astonishing 139 passes defended and recovered 12 fumbles.
In the 2014 season, he added World Champion to his résumé as a lockdown corner for the New England Patriots, who defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 28-24, in Super Bowl XLIX.
He played in 145 NFL games (142 starts) that covered tenures with the Jets (2007-12, 2015-16), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013), Patriots (2014) and Kansas City Chiefs (2017).
A native of Aliquippa, Pa., and all-state performer in both football and basketball at Aliquippa High School, Revis was an instant-impact recruit for Pitt in 2004. He earned Freshman All-America status while helping the Panthers to the Big East title and a Fiesta Bowl berth.
Over three collegiate seasons, he played in all 35 games and made 34 starts. Revis was a two-time first-team All-Big East cornerback who also shined as a punt returner.
He scored five touchdowns at Pitt—three on interceptions and two via punt returns. Perhaps his most memorable collegiate play was a dazzling 73-yard punt return TD against West Virginia that was selected ESPN’s 2006 “College Football Play of the Year.”
“On behalf of the University of Pittsburgh, I want to congratulate Darrelle Revis on his incredibly deserved election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. “When you say ‘shutdown corner,’ you immediately think of Darrelle. I don’t think anyone played the position better than him. He simply dominated opposing wide receivers, whether it was at Aliquippa, Pitt or in the National Football League.”
Revis will receive his formal Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement in Canton on Saturday, August 5.
Source: E.J. Borghetti/Pitt Athletics
Image: Instagram
