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Jim Covert

Offensive Tackle

Inducted 2003

Date of Birth

3/22/1960

Birthplace

Conway, PA

School

University of Pittsburgh (1978-1982)

Bio

Jimbo Covert came to Pittsburgh as a gifted high school wrestler who used his athleticism as a defensive tackle. Unfortunately for Covert he was stuck behind a number of more experienced defensive lineman. He played in every game of his freshman season, but began his sophomore season still on the bench. A separated shoulder in the second game of the season enabled Covert to red-shirt the rest of the season. When he returned to the team for spring practice, he asked to be moved to offense. Under the tutelage of line coach Joe Moore, he made a successful conversion to offense. With Covert on one side of the line and Mark May and later Hall of Famer Bill Fralic on the other, The Panthers posted two consecutive 11-1 seasons twice finishing as the nation's second-ranked team. In his three seasons at tackle he allowed only three sacks, none as a senior. His "sacks allowed" statistic is even more remarkable by the fact that Pitt averaged 34 passes a game. That year, he became a unanimous All-America after his first-team All-America season in 1981. In 1983, Covert was selected sixth overall in the NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. In nine seasons, he twice made the Pro Bowl and led the Bears to a victory in Super Bowl XX.