Jordan Whitehead Returns as Honorary Captain for Homecoming Game

PITTSBURGH — Jordan Whitehead will return to Acrisure Stadium this Saturday as the Panthers’ Honorary Captain for their Homecoming game against NC State. Whitehead, a standout player from Monaca, Pa., was a crucial part of the Pitt football program from 2015 to 2017.

During his collegiate career, Whitehead excelled as a dynamic two-way player. He recorded 234 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two interceptions, and 12 pass breakups. On offense, he rushed for over 300 yards and scored three touchdowns. His immediate impact on the field earned him recognition as the No. 1 recruit in Pennsylvania by Rivals and 247.

Whitehead made history as the first defensive player since 1996 to receive the ACC Rookie of the Year honors, winning both the Overall and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards. He led Pitt in tackles with 109, the highest amount by a true freshman in the program’s history. He continued his success with Second Team All-ACC honors in 2016 and remained a key figure in 2017.

Whitehead’s career at Pitt concluded with a memorable game-sealing interception against Duke. After college, he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has since played for both the Buccaneers and New York Jets. He has accumulated over 550 tackles and 11 interceptions in the NFL.

In 2021, Whitehead contributed to the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV Championship victory, highlighting his defensive skills against Kansas City. This Saturday, he will participate in pregame ceremonies and the coin toss, celebrating his return to his alma mater.