Lovell Pinkney facts for kids

Lovell Pinkney, born on August 18, 1972, is a former American football player. He played as a tight end, wide receiver, and linebacker. Lovell was a top player at the University of Texas. He was chosen by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the National Football League (NFL) draft. He also played for the Green Bay Packers and the Grand Rapids Rampage in the Arena Football League (AFL).

Early Life and High School Football

Lovell Pinkney was born in Washington, D.C.. He played high school football at Anacostia High School in Washington, D.C. His high school coach saw his talent in junior high. The coach encouraged him to play football in high school.

Lovell helped Anacostia win the DCIAA East title in 1991. He was named to the Washington Post All-Met football team. He was also chosen as Washington, D.C. player of the year. He became a Parade All-American, which is a big honor. Many colleges wanted him to play for them, but he chose the University of Texas.

College Football Career at Texas

Pinkney played football for the Longhorns at the University of Texas. He played from 1992 to 1994. During his time there, he scored 15 receiving touchdowns. This was a school record at that time.

Freshman Year Highlights

In his first year, Lovell had a great game against Syracuse. He gained 140 receiving yards in that game. This was a record for a freshman at the time. He also had a 73-yard reception, which was another freshman record. He scored 3 touchdown receptions that year. This was also a school record for a freshman. He and fellow freshman Mike Adams combined for 729 receiving yards. This was a record for a freshman duo at the time. As of 2024, it is still the second-highest total ever.

Sophomore Year Achievements

In his second year, Lovell was named a first-team All-Southwest Conference player. He had three more games where he gained over 100 receiving yards. His best game was against SMU, where he gained 150 yards. In that game, he caught a 61-yard pass from Shea Morenz. This was tied for the longest pass by a freshman quarterback in school history.

Junior Year and NFL Draft

Before his junior year, Lovell and Mike Adams were investigated. They had taken a trip to Los Angeles. They were cleared of any wrongdoing. However, they were suspended for two games because they had not been truthful about the trip at first. In his junior year, Lovell was named to the All-SWC second-team. He helped the Longhorns become Conference Co-Champions. They also won the 1994 Sun Bowl. Lovell decided to leave college early to enter the NFL draft.

Professional Football Journey

The St. Louis Rams picked Lovell Pinkney in the 1995 NFL draft. He was the 115th player chosen overall in the fourth round. The Rams changed his position to tight end. He played in eight games for them in 1995. The Rams released him after their 1996 training camp.

Time with the Packers and Rampage

During the 1996 playoffs, the Green Bay Packers signed him. However, he did not play in any playoff games for them. He left the Packers during their 1997 training camp for personal reasons. Later, in 1998, he played one season for the Grand Rapids Rampage. He played as a wide receiver and linebacker in the Arena Football League.