Joey Porter Returns To Colorado State As Student Assistant

Nov 24, 2012; Fort Collins, CO, USA; General view of Hughes Stadium before a game between the Colorado State Rams and the New Mexico Lobos. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

At Mountain West media day last week, Colorado State head coach Jim McElwain said he wanted to return to the Rams to their perennial top 25 level of the 1990s. To that end, McElwain added one of the most recognizable faces of the Rams’ golden age to his coaching staff on Wednesday.

McElwain announced the addition of Joey Porter as an undergraduate student assistant.

Per the university’s official release:

"“This is another example of reaching back into our past to help build our future at Colorado State,” said McElwain. “It’s an opportunity for him to complete his degree while he gains valuable experience with our coaching staff. We are proud to welcome one of the great Rams back to our campus, just as we welcome all of our former players to remain a part of the Rams football family.”"

Porter played at CSU from 1995 through 1998, during the height of the Sonny Lubick era. The 1997 Rams closed the year ranked No. 17 in the final AP poll.

Via CSURams.com, Porter said:

"“I’m extremely happy to have opportunity to work with the CSU football team as an undergraduate student assistant. It’s an honor for me to come back and be a part of the CSU family, and I’m extremely excited to see what happens with the 2013 season.”"

Porter was a standout for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ outstanding teams of the mid-2000s, including the Super Bowl XL champions.

He last made headlines in March while facing a foreclosure lawsuit in Boca Raton, Fla.

Returning to Fort Collins to earn his liberal arts and begin a coaching career is a great way for Porter to put his past behind him. For the Ram defensive players, they’ll get a unique NFL perspective.

Among CSU’s returners is outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, an outstanding pass rusher in a similar mold as Porter.