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WHEREAS, in 1979, Jimbo Covert became a defensive lineman for the Pitt Panthers. In 1980, he switched to offense and started his final three seasons. During that time, Pitt went 31-5 with three consecutive Top 10 finishes. The '80 and '81 teams went 11-1, finishing No. 2 in the nation. Jimbo allowed just three sacks in his final three seasons - zero as a senior; and,
WHEREAS, the Panther offensive line unit, which included football greats Mark May and Russ Grimm, was coached by the legendary Joe Moore. The unit ably protected their star QB, Dan Marinio. It was called the greatest "O" line ever assembled by their coach, Jackie Sherrill, and the only coach ever to defeat them - Florida State's Bobby Bowden. After his first practice with Jimbo, Coach Moore informed his newest charge that he would become an All-American. In '82 he became a unanimous All-America after his first team All-America season in 1981; and,
WHEREAS, In 1983, Jimbo was a first-round draft selection of the Chicago Bears and quickly became one of the NFL's top offensive tackles. He was a consensus All-Rookie pick in '83. He played on the Bears famed 1985 Super Bowl XX Championship team coached by Pitt and NFL great Mike Ditka. Walter Payton, with whom Jimbo co-captained the Bears offense, called him "the best offensive tackle in the NFL." He was named to the Pro Bowl twice. In '86 he was the NFL's Offensive Lineman of the Year. Jimbo was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_1980s_All-Decade_Team> and, in 2003, he received enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame; and,
WHEREAS, the only sour note in his illustrious career was that state finals wrestling match loss to a sore armed guy in high school and, later, in Wrestlemania II where Andre the Giant allegedly tossed him from the ring -- but, Covert said of that, "That was all decided ahead of time." Jimbo has no comment on the elusive high school state wrestling championship.
WHEREAS, James Paul Covert has returned to Pittsburgh to become the team leader for the Central Blood Bank of Pittsburgh. Instead of saving QB's, James Covert will help save the people of Pittsburgh by providing life saving blood and comprehensive blood products to 40 hospitals in the tri-state region.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend and congratulate James P. Covert for his many achievements, both on and off the field of play and heartily welcomes him back to the City of Pittsburgh. We also commend Mr. Covert for his leadership at the Central Blood Bank of Pittsburgh and his efforts to secure the health and well-being of the people of Pittsburgh and the region; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare June 19, 2007, to be "JAMES 'JIMBO' COVERT DAY in the City of Pittsburgh.