ST. MARYS — The St. Marys Area School District has announced that former Oakland Raider and St. Marys football legend Dan Conners will be attending the Dutch Homecoming Game on Sept. 23 at Dutch Country Stadium.  

Conners will be available at the pavilion inside the stadium to sign autographs and interact with fans and friends between 6-6:45 p.m. prior to the game.  At short pre-game ceremony will follow as Conners will participate in the ceremonial coin toss and present his alma mater with an NFL Golden Football.

Conners’ legendary career began at St. Marys Area High School.  He was a three-sport athlete participating in baseball, wrestling and football.

His football talents were evidenced by the numerous awards and honors he received including being named as a National High School All-American and a Prep All-American following his senior season. He was part of the Flying Dutch undefeated football teams of 1958 and 1959 under head coach Ted Mastrogiacomo.

Following graduation, Conners was offered and accepted a four-year football scholarship at the University of Miami.

As a member of the Hurricanes, Conners enjoyed great success earning All-American recognition in 1963 and eventually being inducted into the Miami Hurricane Hall of Fame in 1977.  

At the conclusion of his college career he was selected in the 5th round of the NFL draft by the Chicago Bears and in the 2nd round of the AFL draft by the Oakland Raiders.  

In 1964, Conners became the first player ever signed by legendary owner Al Davis of the Oakland Raiders.   

Coincidentally fellow Pennsylvanian Terrelle Pryor from Jeanette was the 555th and final player signed and drafted by Davis in 2011.

Conners would go on to play 11 seasons with the Raiders. He was named to the AFL All-Star team in 1967, 68 69.

As a Raider he played middle linebacker and was a participant in many of the most memorable games in NFL history.  He started in Super Bowl II against the Green Bay Packers and Vince Lombardi.  He played in the Heidi Game, and he was there for the Franco Harris Immaculate Reception in Pittsburgh.  He retired following the 1974 football season.

The Dutch will play Union High School at 7 p.m. Sept. 23.