EPCC - 2013 Annual Dinner

Join the East Peoria Chamber for the Annual Dinner at the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino! 

2013 Keynote Speaker: Jim Covert

James Paul "Jimbo" Covert (born March 22, 1960) is a former American college and professional football player who was an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons during the 1980s and early 1990s. Covert played college football for the University of Pittsburgh, and was recognized as an All-American.

Covert was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the sixth selection of the first round in the 1983 NFL Draft. He became an immediate starter at the critical left tackle position and anchored the Bears offensive throughout the 1980s.

In Covert's second year in the league, he was elected by his teammates to be the Bears offensive captain, along with running back Walter Payton. He has been named All-Pro by Sports Illustrated ranked as one of the best tackles in professional football, and was even named 1985 National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year. The 1985 Chicago Bears also won Super Bowl xx.

Covert's last season was 1990. In 1991, he was placed on injured reserve for the entire season following back surgery, and he announced his retirement from the NFL soon after. Covert is married to Penny Covert; they have three children, Casey, Scott and Jessica Covert.