In the early 1990’s, Ruben Brown came to the University of Pittsburgh as a defensive lineman.
Who would have known back then that a switch to the offensive side of the ball would have paid off in the fashion that it did?
Brown got a phone call this week from Pitt executive associate athletic director E.J. Borghetti informing him that he was part of the 2015 College Football Hall of Fame Class.
“This honor goes well beyond me,” Brown said. “Everyone at Pitt shares this recognition. I’m so indebted to the many people who mentored, coached and guided me as a person and player over the years. I’m thrilled to accept this honor on everyone’s behalf and could not be more humbled and appreciative.”
Brown starred as an offensive tackle for the Panthers from 1991-94 and turned an outstanding career as a Panther into becoming a first-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills (1995, No. 14 overall), where Brown spent 12 seasons with both the Bills and Chicago Bears.
While in the NFL Brown made eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (nine overall) and played in the Super Bowl with the Bears.
Brown will become the 24th Pitt player to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He joins the likes of: Len Casanova, Jim Covert, Averell Daniell, Tom Davies, Mike Ditka, Joseph Donchess, Tony Dorsett, Bill Fralic, Hugh Green, Marshall Goldberg, John Majors, Dan Marino, Mark May, Herb McCracken , George McLaren, Robert Peck, Joe Schmidt, Joe Skladany, Herb Stein, Dr. John B. Sutherland, Joseph Thompson, Hube Wagner, and Glenn “Pop” Warner.
Brown will officially be inducted on December 8 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
Photo Credit: Buffalo Bills
