Pitta chose to attend Brigham Young University, where he walked onto the BYU Cougars football team as a wide receiver. Pitta was moved to tight end by head coach Gary Crowton, where he soon earned a scholarship. He was eventually named an All-American.

Now nicknamed American Express he is an American football tight end for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL. He was drafted by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.