Dennis Pitta
Dennis Gregory Pitta Jr. (born June 29, 1985) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the BYU Cougars, earning consensus All-American honors in 2009. He was selected by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. After two strong seasons in the National Football League (NFL), Pitta suffered a hip injury in 2013 and played only occasionally until 2016, when he set a career high in receiving yards. A further injury in 2017 ended his career.
No. 88
June 29, 1985
Fresno, California, U.S.
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
238 lb (108 kg)
2010 / Round: 4 / Pick: 114
224
224
2,098
13
Early years[edit]
Pitta was born in Fresno, California to parents Dennis and Linda Pitta. His father played college football as a middle linebacker for California from 1968 to 1969. Pitta attended Moorpark High School in Moorpark, California, where he earned letters in football, basketball, and track. He is an Eagle Scout.[1] He played football as a wide receiver and cornerback,[2] and his large size made him difficult to cover.[3] As a senior in 2002, Pitta recorded 64 receptions for 1,150 yards and 13 touchdowns. That season, he was named a first-team all-county, all-league, and all-area player.[2] He was a scholar-athlete all four years in high school and was also named a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete. Pitta was shown interest by Dartmouth, Navy, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Utah, and Yale,[2] but no Division I school offered him a scholarship.[4]
Personal life[edit]
Pitta is married to Mataya Gissel, whom he met while attending BYU. They have three children together, including a set of twins and his oldest son Decker. He is also brothers-in-law with former Arizona Cardinals' Max Hall, who is married to Gissel's sister, Mckinzi Hall.[32]