Tony Pike to be inducted in Cincinnati Bearcats Hall of Fame
An emotional Pike was greeted by his wife and three kids in the studio with balloons.
"UC has been a part of my life since I remember," Pike told Cunningham. "I grew up going to games with my grandpa. I love the University more than anything. This is truly an awesome honor."
The famous No. 15 who toiled for the Blue Devils before waiting for his opportunity at UC later told The Enquirer of his gratification.
"I'm a product of so many people around me," Pike said. "My family poured so much into me and I'm so thankful for them. My parents worked endlessly to give me every opportunity to succeed in life. My grandpa got me started with my love for UC by taking me to all the games. I got to live out my dream by playing and contributing to the Bearcats. I wouldn't be here without so many great teammates and coaches. I'm grateful for them and I'm extremely grateful for the system I have in place at home with my amazing wife and awesome kids."
The 6-foot-6, 225-pound Pike was a UC Bearcat from 2005-2009 and passed for 5,018 yards and 49 touchdowns in his career. Under Brian Kelly, he led UC to the Orange Bowl vs. Virginia Tech after the 2008 season and the Sugar Bowl vs. Florida after the 2009 season.
UC AD John Cunningham on Tony Pike
"You're one of our greats," Cunningham told Pike on radio. "You represent the Bearcats, you drive our brand, you continue to do it. We're excited to have you be a part of this awesome Hall of Fame class."
The rest of the upcoming 2025 James P. Kelly Athletic Hall of Fame class will be announced in the near future.
Tony Pike's Cincinnati Bearcats highlights
In 2009, he threw for 2,520 yards and 29 touchdowns despite missing three games to injury. His most famous pass was the touchdown toss to Armon Binns in snowy Pittsburgh when the Bearcats erased a 31-10 deficit and beat the Panthers 45-44, preserving their unbeaten record.
Pike was First Team All-Big East in 2009 and Second Team All-Big East in 2008. He finished his UC career throwing a touchdown in 17 straight starts.
Pike, in addition to his radio duties on ESPN 1530 has been the sideline reporter during UC football radio broadcasts with Dan Hoard and Jim Kelly in recent years. Pike was also a sixth-round NFL draft pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2010.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bearcats to add former QB Tony Pike to Hall of Fame
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