"When Peck Fights!"

Born on May 30, 1891, in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, Robert "Bob" Peck anchored the University of Pittsburgh's offensive line from 1913 to 1916. More than just a skilled center, Peck was the emotional heart of the Panthers during a golden era for the program. Standing at 5-foot-9, his powerful presence and inspiring pre-game cry, "When Peck fights, the team fights!", became the team's rallying call, igniting a renewed vigor in their play that resonated with the fans.

✦ College Career

Peck's impact was immediate. In his first varsity season (1913), Pitt lost only one of nine games. The arrival of legendary coach Glenn "Pop" Warner further elevated the team's success. Under Warner's guidance, with Peck as a key leader and roving center in his innovative single and double-wing formations, the Panthers achieved consecutive undefeated and untied seasons in 1915 (8-0-0) and 1916 (8-0-0), culminating in a National Championship in the latter year. Peck's exceptional play and leadership earned him All-America honors in both 1915 and 1916, the first Pitt player to achieve this prestigious national recognition twice.

✦ Football Legacy

Bob Peck's legacy extends beyond his individual accolades. He was the embodiment of team spirit and a driving force behind Pitt's early national prominence. His famous battle cry remains a testament to his inspirational leadership. Peck's prowess on the field, particularly his role in leading the interference for Warner's groundbreaking formations, solidified his place as one of the great centers of his time. His influence on Pitt football is undeniable, marking him as a foundational figure in the program's rich history. In recognition of his significant contributions to the sport, Bob Peck was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1954)

✦ 2x Consensus All-American (1915, 1916)

✦ First-Team All-American (1914 - per some sources)

✦ National Champion (1916)

✦ Team Captain (1916)

✦ Led Pitt to a combined record of 24-1 in his final three seasons.

Explore the impactful career of Bob Peck, the tenacious center whose leadership and spirit defined early Pittsburgh Panthers football.

He was the embodiment of team spirit and a driving force behind Pitt's early national prominence. His famous battle cry remains a testament to his inspirational leadership. Peck's prowess on the field, particularly his role in leading the interference for Pop Warner's groundbreaking formations, solidified his place as one of the great centers of his time.