University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitinii Named Nominee for FWAA Courage Award
9/30/2026 3:00:00 PM | Football
Student equipment manager returned to the Panthers eight months after brain cancer diagnosis
PITTSBURGH—Pitt football student equipment manager Niko Pitinii has been named this week's nominee for the 2026 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award, recognizing his return to school and the Panthers' football program just eight months after being diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer.
A Canton, Ohio, native, Pitinii experienced significant weight loss and extreme fatigue late last season. After fainting at a Pitt practice as the Panthers prepared for the Go Bowling Military Bowl, he was taken to the hospital by an equipment manager and diagnosed with germinoma.
Doctors told Pitinii he had been approximately one week away from dying had he not sought treatment.
Pitinii underwent treatment at Cleveland Clinic, ringing the bell to mark its completion on July 9, 2026. In August, he returned to Pitt and resumed his duties with the Panthers.
"I'm just trying to adjust to whatever the new normal is," Pitinii told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette late this summer. "I love it here."
His experience also inspired a new career path. Moved by the support he received from his oncology social worker, Pitinii switched his major from communications to social work. He hopes to help other cancer patients navigate the challenges he faced.
Ahead of Pitt's Sept. 12 game against UCF, head coach Pat Narduzzi invited Pitinii to address the team. His message was simple:
"Hey, if I can beat cancer, we can beat UCF."
Pitinii's nomination continues Pitt's connection to the Courage Award. Former Panthers running back James Connerreceived the honor in 2016.
First presented by the Football Writers Association of America in 2002, the Courage Award recognizes individuals who display courage on or off the field, including overcoming injury or physical hardship, preventing a disaster or persevering through adversity.
A select group of FWAA writers votes on the recipient each year. The winner will participate in Capital One Orange Bowl week festivities and receive the trophy during an on-field presentation.
