It’s been a couple of weeks without one (or two), but the Pitt Panthers have an honorary captain for the penultimate game of the season against Louisville.
Pat Narduzzi announced Friday night that former Pitt offensive lineman Ed Miller will serve as the honorary captain for the Panthers in their conference clash against the Cardinals.
Narduzzi laid out the credentials for Miller, who was a team captain in his senior season in 1987:
- 1987 team captain
- 4-year letterman
- Key blocker for Craig “Ironhead” Heyward’s Heisman finalist season
- 1987 Bluebonnet Bowl appearance
- Selected in the 1988 NFL Draft
- Spent time with the San Diego Chargers
Miller spent four seasons at Pitt after starring at David Brearley High in New Jersey, and he helped pave the way for the legendary “Ironhead” Heyward in 1987 — a 1,655-yard rushing campaign that resulted in a fifth-place Heisman Trophy finish.
The San Diego Chargers selected Miller in the 11th round of the 1988 NFL Draft, and he spent some time with the Cleveland Browns in the 1989 season.
Miller is the eighth honorary captain for the Panthers this season, joining former offensive lineman Jason Pinkston, former long snapper Cal Adomitis, former offensive lineman Mike McGlynn, former tight end J.P. Holtz, former linebacker Clint Session and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and father-son duo Tony and Anthony Dorsett Jr.
Pitt and Louisville are scheduled to kick off at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium at 4 p.m., with an ESPN2 broadcast for those who didn’t make the trip to Louisville.
It’s a major opportunity for the Panthers to bounce back from three straight losses and build the foundation for a season that can still hit the 9- or 10-win platform. It starts on the road with the Cardinals — where the Panthers haven’t won a game since the 2009 season.
Can he play today?
The O line has been shaky. But I give those young men credit. None were recruited for this type of offense. I hope Coach Bell hits the transfer portal for guys more experienced and and more capable in his game planning. H2P!