No. 97 Takes Its Final Bow At Pitt As Aaron Donald Receives One Of The School’s Highest Honors

On November 15, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers suffered a tough 37–15 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but the final score became secondary to the moment that unfolded at halftime. The spotlight belonged to Aaron Donald, the Pittsburgh native from Lincoln-Lemington who rose from local standout to future Pro Football Hall of Famer. Without the pads that defined his dominant NFL career, Donald walked onto the field at Acrisure Stadium to a roaring ovation from more than 60,000 fans. He was greeted by local youth athletes who view him as proof that discipline and belief can change a life.In a powerful ceremony, Pitt officially retired his iconic No. 97 jersey, permanently placing Donald among the program’s most legendary figures. Surrounded by family, Donald called the honor a shared victory, thanking his support system and the city that raised him. The stadium screens lit up with the message “Hard Work Pays Off,” a phrase that mirrors his journey. With emotion in his voice, Donald closed with, “Hail to Pitt forever.”

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