Ex-Pitt star Dorin Dickerson 'can't wait to start working' for Penguins on Lower Hill project

Since his NFL playing days ended, Dorin Dickerson has been building a balance between two budding careers that ultimately led to the union of a perfect position for him with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The former Pitt All-American, who has worked as a weekend and pre-game host for the Panthers and Steelers on 93.7 The Fan while learning the construction business as community outreach manager for Mascaro Construction Company, announced Thursday that he has been hired by the Penguins as director of project development.

Excited to announce that I have accepted a job with one of the best Franchises in all of sports, The Pittsburgh Penguins! pic.twitter.com/xJ8rN3kXuw

— Dorin Dickerson (@scorindorin) November 19, 2020

“It’s such a tough situation, to pick between the Penguins and Mascaro, an unbelievable company — one of the best construction companies in Pittsburgh,” said Dickerson, 32, of Bridgeville. “Being a hockey fan, growing up playing hockey and being a huge fan of Mario Lemieux, it’s hard to pass that up.”

Funny how life works ? #LGP pic.twitter.com/SrBxPDpvNK

— Dorin Dickerson (@scorindorin) November 20, 2020

Dickerson will focus on project management, workforce development and community engagement for the $1 billion Lower Hill district, where the FNB Financial Center will be built at the site of the former Civic Arena that is now parking adjacent to PPG Paints Arena.

Dickerson has been involved in the project while working for Mascaro, where he crossed paths with Penguins CEO and president David Morehouse and COO and general counsel Kevin Acklin. Dickerson said he will work closely with Bomani Howze, vice president of The Buccini/Pollin Group, to finalize planning “to make sure it’s a successful project.”

“It’s been going on for six years. It’s time for all sides to come together to get this done,” Dickerson said. “We want to try to meet everyone’s expectations and make this a win for everybody. The Penguins want this to be successful and, once this is built, to sustain jobs for the Lower Hill.”

An All-American all-purpose back at West Allegheny, Dickerson starred at Pitt as a tight end. He had 45 catches for 508 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior to earn All-America honors, and was drafted in the seventh round by the Houston Texans. Dickerson spent six years in the NFL, playing for Houston, the Steelers, New England, Buffalo, Detroit and Tennessee. He plans to continue serving on The Fan’s pregame shows for the remainder of the football season.

“I think of this as a 24-hour rule because I can’t wait to start working and getting this job done,” Dickerson said. “There’s still a job to do. I tell people this: This may be a tough time for juggling things around but it reminds me of the NFL combine. The hard work starts when you play.”

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