University of Minnesota Athletics
Excellence On Every Level: Senior Amir Pinnix
8/31/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
On the football field, Amir Pinnix had to be patient. For two seasons, the Minnesota running back was buried on the Gophers’ depth chart behind current NFL stars like Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney, awaiting his chance to shine. But following his 1,272-yard, 10-touchdown breakout performance in 2006, Pinnix’s starting spot in the Gophers’ backfield is firmly solidified as the 2007 season begins.
Off the field, however, Pinnix has taken his destiny into his own hands. Not only is the New Jersey native a team captain and a potential NFL prospect, he is also one of the University’s most well rounded student athletes.
While some college student-athletes struggle to balance the demands of their sport and a normal class schedule, Pinnix’s laundry list of extracurricular activities would impress even the most ardent over-achiever. Not only has Pinnix served in a leadership capacity with the University’s Student Advisory Committee (SAC) throughout his college career, he also co-chairs the Student Advisory Committee on Public Engagement (SCOPE), volunteers his time with various community outreach programs and was even selected as the University’s representative at the 2006 NCAA Leadership Conference in Florida.
In fact, the Pinnix’s level of community involvement is so extensive, even some of his closest counselors don’t always realize all that he does.
“Even though I feel like I know him, I still continue to learn about the things that he does so quietly off the field,” said Anissa Lightner, Assistant Life Skills Coordinator at the University of Minnesota’s McNamara Academic Center. “I still keep learning about the things that he is doing in the community that he is just so humble about.”
The fifth-year senior, one of nine current Gophers to have already graduated, earned his bachelor’s degree from the Inter-Collegiate Program (ICP) in business marketing, urban studies and leadership and will begin a graduate program in kinesiology this fall. But how does the Gophers’ main offensive cog juggle football, school, his community outreach efforts and life in general? It isn’t easy, but Pinnix knows the importance of maintaining a carefully crafted balance.
“It’s really tough to balance everything,” Pinnix said. “But it’s important, because when you get in the real world, you’re going to have to balance anyways. It’s important to get that practice in now and understand what it means to be responsible and independent.”
One of six team captains this fall, Pinnix’s leadership efforts extend far beyond the gridiron. His work with organizations like the Humphrey Institute’s “Warrior to Citizen” program, which helps recently-returned soldiers re-adjust to civilian life, demonstrates his commitment to leading by example throughout the community.
“He’s always upbeat, vibrant, looking to assist others,” said Peyton N. Owens III, Director of Life Skills at the McNamara Center. “He’s never really looking to focus in on himself; it’s all about the overall well-being of everyone. He generates a lot of positive conversation, and usually when something positive is happening, Amir is, if not one of the people that organized it, right there in the mix.”
Hailing from a self-described “rough” neighborhood in Newark, one of America’s poorest cities, Pinnix’s desire to give something back stems from both his upbringing and the strong sense of morality instilled by his family. Unlike some high-profile sports stars, Pinnix truly understands his dual role as both a student and an athlete.
“When you are called a student-athlete, it means you’re more than just an athlete. You have to step outside yourself sometimes, and do some of the things that will not only benefit you, but benefit others,” Pinnix said. “You’ll never get anywhere by yourself. I’ve been helped out by a tremendous amount of people, so I feel it’s my responsibility to give back in some way with the things that I’m involved in.”
When discussing Pinnix’s many attributes, his impressive athletic abilities including 4.6 speed, outstanding field vision and a shifty running style that led to five 100-yard rushing games last year are rarely the first things to pop up in conversation. Instead, proponents rave about Pinnix’s humble-yet-passionate personality, solid moral foundation and outstanding leadership qualities.
“He’s just electric,” said Owens. “A lot of individuals flock to Amir, in regard to his overall commitment and drive towards being the best. He’s one of those individuals that doesn’t talk about a lot of stuff he just does it.
“He surrounds himself with quality people, and I think that he has become a mentor, even though he doesn’t really know it yet,” added Lightner. “He is mentoring other people, even those on his team, because he is such an outstanding man.”
In a time when fans are inundated with stories about off-the-field sports scandals, the tales of exemplary athletes such as Pinnix become even more important.
“There are so many temptations and things out there that will pull you in different directions,” Owens said. “But to have someone who is really steeped in our morals and values, that understands their own identity, who they want to be and where they want to go... It has to happen. It shows that it’s okay to stay true to yourself.”
As 2007 gets underway, a crossroads of sorts has been presented to Pinnix. The Gopher coaching staff has publicly set a goal of 1,500 rushing yards for the veteran running back this season, and if he achieves or eclipses that figure, it’s possible that the NFL will come calling next April on Draft Day. Scouts, Inc. has rated Pinnix as Minnesota’s top draft candidate entering 2007 and pegged him as the ninth-best collegiate running back prospect in the nation. With another stellar season, the dream of playing at the next level could become a reality for yet another Gopher tailback.
“It’s something that I think about, especially now that I’ve graduated,” Pinnix said regarding the prospect of playing in the NFL. “It’s something that I’m working extremely hard towards. I’ve got to let the chips fall where they may... If not, I’ve got backup.”
Yes, football is hardly Pinnix’s only career option. After graduate school, he wants to go into urban development or planning, and also seeks to start a motivational speaking company with good friend Blake Hogan. Their message: Faith, leadership and health three aspects they believe are necessary to form a complete person.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs, and my faith is what has got me through the tough times, all the trials and tribulations,” Pinnix said about the role faith has played in his life. “I’ve stayed calm and continued to pray, knowing that my opportunity would come one day.”
Owens, who came to Minnesota from Virginia Commonwealth University last year, believes that Pinnix has positioned himself for post-graduate life as well as any other student-athlete on campus.
“The canvas is open for him to paint whatever picture he wants. He has done everything necessary in order to position himself for a lot of opportunities,” Owens said. “Sure, he’s still playing (football), but he’s got his eyes on a different prize. Football is going to be his backup.”
For now, Pinnix will simply have to be patient and see what transpires during 2007. But if his previous efforts are any indication, Minnesota’s most dangerous offensive weapon will find success, no matter what opportunity comes his way.
story by Ryan Maus, athletic communications intern
