The Kenneth P. Dietrich School is home to all kinds of innovative, hard-working, and passionate alumni. In the spirit of the NFL Draft this week, here are the Dietrich School’s alumni who were drafted into the NFL:
Jimmy Joe Robinson (A&S ’51) was the first African American varsity football player at Pitt and continued his legacy after being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round. He then entered a different draft and served in the Korean War, and upon returning, he became a minister.
Nick Bolkovac (A&S ’51) graduated with his degree in Geology before being drafted in the 30th round by the Washington Redskins.
Pete Neft (A&S ’56) was a 23rd-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Paul Martha (A&S ’64) graduated with a degree in Psychology and was selected in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After football, Martha became an attorney and worked with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Tim Lewis (A&S ’83) graduated with a degree in Economics and was drafted in the 1st round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He became a coach after his football career and is currently the defensive coordinator for Boston College.
Dan Marino (A&S ’83) graduated with a degree in Communications and was a first-round pick for the Miami Dolphins. From 2002 to 2013, Marino served as an analyst for CBS's Sunday pregame show The NFL Today. He has been a special advisor to the Miami Dolphins since 2014.
Bill Mass (A&S ’84) graduated with a degree in Sociology. He was a Kansas City Chiefs first-round draft pick. After he retired, he spent 12 years as a broadcaster for NFL games for Fox Sports.
Burt Grossman (A&S ’89) also graduated with a degree in Sociology and was a first-round pick by the San Diego Chargers. He is also the cousin of former Steelers tight end Randy Grossman.
Tom Ricketts (A&S) was drafted in 1989 as a first-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He ended his football career with the New Orleans Saints in 1994.
Jimbo Covert (A&S ’91) graduated with a degree in English and was drafted 6th overall in the first round by the Chicago Bears. After football, he turned to a career in the business side of healthcare.
Aaron Donald (A&S ’20) graduated with a degree in Communications and was a St. Louis Rams (later LA Rams) first-round pick. Donald retired from the NFL in 2024.
Aaron Donald (A&S ’20) graduated with a degree in Communications and was a St. Louis Rams (later LA Rams) first-round pick. Donald retired from the NFL in 2024.