While many collegiate players dream of suiting up in the NFL, the Panthers have one coach on their staff who can give a detailed account of how hard achieving that dream can actually be.
Photo courtesy of EIU Athletics Department
Did you know that
Dennis “Dirt” Winston, entering his second season as the Panthers’ defensive line coach, was a linebacker for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints from 1977–86 after playing at University of Arkansas? He has a couple of Super Bowl rings to his name as part of the famed “Steel Curtain” defense with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a start in the Super Bowl win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Coach Winston reflected on some of the great players he played with and against, and as you will see, many are household names for NFL fans. Winston is currently one of two Ohio Valley Conference assistant coaches who have appeared in an NFL game. The Panthers kick off their season on Sept. 3 against Western Illinois.
Top Five Players You Played With In The NFL
- “Mean” Joe Greene – NFL Hall of Famer with Pittsburgh Steelers
- Jack Lambert – NFL Hall of Famer with Pittsburgh Steelers
- Jack Ham – NFL Hall of Famer with Pittsburgh Steelers
- Mel Blount – NFL Hall of Famer with Pittsburgh Steelers
- Rickey Jackson – NFL Hall of Famer with New Orleans Saints
Top Five Players You Played Against In The NFL
- Conrad Dobler – Offensive Lineman, Buffalo Bills and St. Louis Cardinals
- Reggie McKenzie – Offensive Lineman, Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks
- Gene Upshaw – Offensive Lineman, Oakland Raiders
- Anthony Muñoz – Offensive Lineman, Cincinnati Bengals
- Art Shell – Offensive Lineman, Oakland Raiders
Top Personal Game As NFL Player
Nov. 19, 1984 – First home Monday Night Football game for New Orleans Saints as they hosted Pittsburgh Steelers. Intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown, which won the game against former team.
Most Memorable Game As NFL Player
Playing as the starting outside linebacker in the 1979 Super Bowl win over the Los Angeles Rams. Pittsburgh won 31-19.
Rival You Most Looked Forward To Playing In The NFL
Photo courtesy of EIU Athletics Department
Houston Oilers of the 1970s (Love You, Blue) with head coach O.A. “Bum” Phillips.
As A College Coach Top Five Players You Coached
- Jonathan Babineaux (at Port Arthur’s Lincoln High School / played at Iowa) – professional career with Atlanta Falcons
- Jordan Babineaux (at Port Arthur’s Lincoln High School / played at Southern Arkansas) – professional career with Seattle Seahawks
- Carlos Hall (at Arkansas) – professional career with Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs
- Quentin Carver (at Arkansas) – professional career with Philadelphia Eagles
- Carlos Emmons (at Arkansas State) – professional career with Pittsburgh Steelers
- Brandon Thurmond (at Arkansas–Pine Bluff) – led FCS in sacks in 2012
Current Ohio Valley Conference Coaches With NFL Game Experience
Eastern Illinois – Dennis “Dirt” Winston (played with Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints from 1977–86)
Tennessee State – Jeff Parker (played with Tampa Bay Bucs in 1992)
Photo courtesy of EIU Athletics Department