Russ Grimm (2022) - Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame

Russ Grimm

Induction:
2022
Class:
1981

A member of Pitt's famed 1977 recruiting class, Grimm was a prominent contributor to the Panthers' dominant squads over the subsequent four years. As Pitt's starting center, Grimm was at the heart of an impenetrable offensive front that was considered the gold standard for all of college football. He helped lead the Panthers to a 22-2 record over the 1979 and 1980 seasons, including a pair of Top 10 finishes in the polls. As a senior in 1980, he helped the Panthers to an 11-1 mark and selection by The New York Times computer poll as the country's No. 1 team. A third-round draft choice of Washington in 1981, Grimm was an original member of the team's "Hogs" offensive front and started 11 seasons at guard (1981-91). He was part of four Super Bowl berths, including victories in Super Bowls XVII, XXII and XXVI. It was following Washington's victory in Super Bowl XXVI that Grimm announced his retirement. He was voted to four Pro Bowls (1983-86) and was named to the 1980s All-Decade Team. Grimm received his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2010. He went on to an accomplished NFL coaching career and was the Pittsburgh Steelers' assistant head coach and oversaw the offensive line when they won Super Bowl XL over Seattle, 21-10.