Ray Pinney, '89 MBA

Ray Pinney is a former NFL offensive tackle and guard who played seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 1976 NFL Draft and was the Steelers’ starting right tackle in Super Bowl XIII.

Pinney played in the USFL, won the 1983 USFL Championship as a starting tackle for the Michigan Panthers and played for the Oakland Invaders in 1985. He returned to the Steelers after the USFL went defunct in 1985, where he remained until he finished his playing days in 1987.

After retiring from football, Pinney remained closely tied to the game and his community. “Leaving the game was an easy decision to make because of physical considerations,” he said. “It is a young man’s game and after 13 seasons and at the age of 33, my playing time was up.”

Pinney became a mentor to younger athletes, sharing lessons from both his NFL and USFL experiences. Known for his quiet leadership and disciplined approach, he went to Albers for his MBA, further demonstrating his commitment to growth beyond the gridiron.