LeSean McCoy maintains special connection with Pitt ahead of Backyard Brawl

PITTSBURGH — The Backyard Brawl returns on Thursday at Acrisure Stadium between Pitt and West Virginia. It’s a game that has today’s fans pumped, but it’s also special for athletes who played in the game, like former Pitt star LeSean McCoy.

“Nothing matches up to the Backyard Brawl,” McCoy said. “I was a freshman, and I remember seeing the fans throwing batteries at us, rocking the bus. It was so different than any other away game -- even children with curse words with the parents, so the rivalry is something special.”

McCoy played in two Backyard Brawls, and Pitt won them both, including the famous 13-9 victory. McCoy reflected on that game, telling Channel 11: “I remember that week was different. Everybody’s intensity from Coach (Dave) Wannstedt to Scott McKillop, senior leaders on the team. When we got there, it was outrageous and crazy. I’ve never seen anything like it from the fans. It was so loud.”

McCoy was proud that Pitt was able to ruin West Virginia’s national championship hopes with that upset win.

McCoy keeps his Pitt connections strong. He appeared at the Kickoff Luncheon on Friday.

“It feels good to be around the young athletes. I’ve been in their shoes, and I know what it feels like,” he said. “I like to give them wise words. Guys that helped me out, I remember as a freshman, Tony Dorsett came to meet and greet me, and I was like, ‘Whoa, this Pitt thing is a family.’”

McCoy couldn’t help but get emotional when recounting how Pitt changed his life, thanks to Wannstedt not giving up on him when he was injured in high school, losing a scholarship to the University of Southern California.

“He gave me a chance to regain my name and continue my career, so Pitt has really helped me out, “McCoy said. “It really has, in changing my family’s lives and my life forever. I’m thankful for that.”

Pitt and West Virginia kick off just after 7 p.m. Thursday at Acrisure Stadium.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

Willie Mays: What you need to know Mays was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979. (NCD)

©2022 Cox Media Group