Today in Wheeling History: July 31—Eddie Drummond, Linsly School alumnus and NFL Pro Bowl return specialist, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his childhood favorite team (2008).
Edward Matthew Drummond, born April 12, 1980, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, made a lasting impact on Wheeling, West Virginia, through his athletic achievements at the Linsly School. A standout in both football and track, Drummond rushed for 3,918 yards and scored 70 touchdowns during his high school career, helping lead Linsly to a 29–11 record over four seasons. His junior year was especially notable, with 1,383 rushing yards and a perfect 10–0 team record. He earned multiple honors, including Ohio Valley Player of the Year and runner-up for West Virginia’s Kennedy Award. Drummond was also a dominant sprinter, recording a 10.37-second 100-meter dash in a summer meet after graduation.
Drummond chose Penn State over offers from Notre Dame, Michigan, and Florida State. Recruited by Joe Paterno as a running back, he played both tailback and wide receiver, finishing with 71 receptions for 1,132 yards and five touchdowns. After going undrafted in 2002, he signed with the Detroit Lions and quickly became a top NFL return specialist. In 2004, he earned Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors after returning two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns. On July 31, 2008, Drummond fulfilled a personal dream by signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his childhood favorite team. He later played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Locomotives. Drummond’s legacy remains strong in Wheeling’s sports history.
To learn more: Eddie Drummond – Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/shyb7xb5), OVAC Hall of Fame profile – Times Leader (https://tinyurl.com/57x5bk6m), Penn State career highlights – TribLIVE (https://tinyurl.com/5dw3m6us)
Photo caption and credit: Eddie Drummond (YouTube)
Edward Matthew Drummond, born April 12, 1980, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, made a lasting impact on Wheeling, West Virginia, through his athletic achievements at the Linsly School. A standout in both football and track, Drummond rushed for 3,918 yards and scored 70 touchdowns during his high school career, helping lead Linsly to a 29–11 record over four seasons. His junior year was especially notable, with 1,383 rushing yards and a perfect 10–0 team record. He earned multiple honors, including Ohio Valley Player of the Year and runner-up for West Virginia’s Kennedy Award. Drummond was also a dominant sprinter, recording a 10.37-second 100-meter dash in a summer meet after graduation.
Drummond chose Penn State over offers from Notre Dame, Michigan, and Florida State. Recruited by Joe Paterno as a running back, he played both tailback and wide receiver, finishing with 71 receptions for 1,132 yards and five touchdowns. After going undrafted in 2002, he signed with the Detroit Lions and quickly became a top NFL return specialist. In 2004, he earned Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors after returning two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns. On July 31, 2008, Drummond fulfilled a personal dream by signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his childhood favorite team. He later played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Locomotives. Drummond’s legacy remains strong in Wheeling’s sports history.
To learn more: Eddie Drummond – Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/shyb7xb5), OVAC Hall of Fame profile – Times Leader (https://tinyurl.com/57x5bk6m), Penn State career highlights – TribLIVE (https://tinyurl.com/5dw3m6us)
Photo caption and credit: Eddie Drummond (YouTube)
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