Pitt Football Will Have a New Celebrity Guest This Season

PITTSBURGH -- For over a decade, Pittsburgh Steelers fans have had the presence of the city's most famous mascot. But starting this season, the Pitt Panthers get to share in that tradition.

Mascot Troy, otherwise known as Mike Dapcevich or Pittsburgh's own Troy Polamalu impersonator, has spent every Sunday at Heinz Field for the last five years. Since 2006, he was there on Halloween games every season. Now, he's adding Saturday's to his weekend plans.

"When the band plays, I always run over there and dance with the band," Dapcevich told Inside the Panthers. "They started asking me, why don't I do Troy Polamalu at the Pitt games? It makes no sense at all. It took a little urging, but a few guys in the media told me, 'it's a great idea, you should do it.'"

And there's more. Dapcevich already has a touchdown celebration ready for Pitt games. When Panthers running back Izzy Abanikanda scores a touchdown, he and Mascot Troy are creating Pittsburgh's new sports trend.

"I talked to him after the game and told him, 'Hey, I'm front row. Start the Heinz Leap,'" Dapcevich said. And Abanikanda quickly agreed.

Mascot Troy tested this new role during the Pitt Spring Game and got great reviews. So, he's now taking it to the regular season, and giving the Panthers a little something extra from the crowd this season.

"It's the best. Music is a feel thing," Dapcevich said. "I do a lot to run around through the band and pump them up and make a lot of noise. I'm just the cherry on top of the cake and icing. The kids really enjoy it."

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