Pitt Announces Honorary Captain vs. Cincinnati

Legendary Panther and Steelers Sidney Thornton to Lead Pitt Out of the Tunnel

Pittsburgh Panthers athletic director Heather Lyke announced today that legendary running back Sidney Thornton will serve as honorary captain for the Panthers' home game against the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday, September 16 at Acrisure Stadium.

Thornton, a McKeesport, Pa., native, played for the Panthers from 1976-79 after graduating from McKeesport High School.

Thornton was named an All-American in 1979 and was the Panthers' leading rusher that season, helping the team to win the Lambert Trophy, awarded annually to the best team in the East. Thornton was also named the Panthers' MVP in 1979.

Thornton was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft and played for the Steelers from 1980-88.

Thornton was a member of the Steelers' Super Bowl XIII and XIV championship teams and was named to the Steelers' All-Time Team in 2007.

Lyke said Thornton is a great role model for Pitt student-athletes.

"Sidney is a true Pitt legend and we are honored to have him serve as our honorary captain for our home game against Cincinnati," Lyke said. "He is a great role model for our student-athletes and we are excited to have him lead us out of the tunnel on Saturday."