Pitt defensive lineman David Green puts locks on the line in Boys & Girls Clubs fundraiser

At the conclusion of Pitt’s next football season, Panthers defensive lineman David Green most likely will be looking very different.

The redshirt senior, a West Mifflin native, is pledging to shave his head bald, parting ways with his signature dreadlocks, upon reaching a fundraising goal of $22,222 to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania.

Green, who wears No. 2 for the Panthers, attended Central Catholic High School in Oakland before joining the Panthers in 2018. The 23-year-old grew up attending events at the BGCWPA Duquesne clubhouse.

Now, through his “Giving Green Foundation,” he aims to pay it forward to the next generation of Boys & Girls Club kids.

“This upcoming season will be my last dance with the Panthers,” he said. “So, I wanted to make this one special. … Once we hit the goal, which I know we will, I will allow all these young boys and girls to shave my head at the end of the season.”

John 13:7 Jesus answered “you may not know now but later, you will understand”… 4 years ago I was lost, but now I understand my calling and I hope you will join me on this journey???????? #H2P pic.twitter.com/0pCEMbVlq9

— David Green (@TMT_DGreen2) June 14, 2023

Green made his formal fundraising announcement Wednesday afternoon at the Boys & Girls Club’s Shadyside clubhouse, joined by fellow Panthers seniors Brandon George and Shayne Simon plus redshirt freshman Thomas Aden.

Green played a few rounds of chess with clubhouse members before his announcement and afterwards, stuck around with his teammates to continue hanging out with the kids.

Last summer, Pitt defensive lineman Deslin Alexandre launched his “5th Down Foundation” in honor of his fifth season of collegiate eligibility.

Alexandre, who signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in May, raised $55,000 to support children in his hometown of Cap-Haitien, Haiti.

Similarly, former Pitt long snapper Cal Adomitis, now with the Cincinnati Bengals, launched “Cal’s Kids” in 2021, ultimately raising $115,000 for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh before shaving off his shoulder-length hair at the fundraiser’s conclusion.

Growing up, Green experienced firsthand the difference that Boys & Girls Clubs can make in the lives of children.

Seeing the impact that the fundrasiers by his former Panthers teammates have had, Green is excited to follow in their footsteps.

“I feel like my passion is just to help kids grow and become young adults in any way shape or form,” he said. “ … I just feel like it’s my turn now. It’s just in the water.”

The 6-foot-1, 285-pounder has played in 48 career games for Pitt, starting 13. Last fall, he played in all of the Panthers’ 13 games, starting seven and recording 22 tackles with 3.5 sacks.

Donations to Green’s fundraiser can be made here.