Eric Dickerson, born on September 2, 1960, is a former NFL running back who played for four different teams during his career but is most commonly associated with the Los Angeles Rams. Known for his speed and agility, Dickerson was a dominant force on the football field and set several records during his career. We will delve into his early life, his high school football career, and his accomplishments in the NFL.
Early Life
Dickerson was born and raised in Sealy, Texas, where he was the youngest of three children. His father, a Vietnam War veteran, was a truck driver, and his mother worked as a schoolteacher. Dickerson’s love for football began at a young age, and he would often spend hours practicing on the local fields. Despite being a standout athlete in football, track, and basketball, Dickerson struggled with dyslexia and found school to be a challenge.
High School Football Career
Eric Dickerson’s high school football career was nothing short of extraordinary. He attended Sealy High School in Sealy, Texas, where he quickly became a standout athlete. In his junior year, Dickerson rushed for an astounding 2,960 yards and scored 37 touchdowns, earning him the title of Parade Magazine High School Player of the Year. But he wasn’t done yet. In his senior year, he rushed for 2,457 yards and an incredible 45 touchdowns, leading his team to the state championship game.
During his time at Sealy High School, Dickerson’s speed and agility were unmatched. He was known for his long strides and his ability to run over defenders or juke past them with ease. His incredible talent on the field earned him the title of Texas Player of the Year, and he was also a Parade Magazine High School All-American.
Dickerson’s high school football career was a foreshadowing of the success he would achieve later in life. He finished his high school career with over 5,000 rushing yards and 82 touchdowns. His records still stand to this day, and he is considered one of the greatest high school football players of all time.
Dickerson’s success on the field also brought attention to his struggles with dyslexia, which made school a challenge for him. He has since become an advocate for those with learning disabilities, using his platform to raise awareness and provide support.
Overall, Eric Dickerson’s high school football career was a glimpse of the greatness that was to come. His talent and dedication to the sport were evident early on, and he would go on to become one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
College Career
Eric Dickerson’s college career was equally as impressive as his high school career. He received a scholarship to Southern Methodist University (SMU) and played for the SMU Mustangs from 1979 to 1982.
During his freshman year, Dickerson set the SMU record for most rushing yards in a season with 477 yards. He continued to improve every year, and by his senior year, he had rushed for 1,617 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. His incredible performance on the field earned him All-American honors in his junior and senior years.
Dickerson’s talent and work ethic at SMU helped him become one of the greatest running backs in college football history. He finished his college career with 4,450 rushing yards and 47 touchdowns, which were both SMU records at the time.
Dickerson’s success at SMU also helped lead the team to several bowl games, including the Cotton Bowl Classic in 1982. During that game, he rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns, leading SMU to a 7-3 victory over the University of Pittsburgh.
Overall, Eric Dickerson’s college career was a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to the sport. He set records at SMU that still stand to this day and helped lead the team to several bowl games.
NFL Career
Dickerson was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1983 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he rushed for a league-leading 1,808 yards, setting a new record for the most rushing yards by a rookie. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and was also named to the Pro Bowl.
Dickerson continued to dominate the league in his second season, rushing for 2,105 yards, breaking O.J. Simpson’s record for the most rushing yards in a single season. He was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and was again named to the Pro Bowl.
Throughout his career, Dickerson played for the Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons. He was selected to six Pro Bowls, named First-Team All-Pro five times, and won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award twice. Dickerson was also a member of the Rams’ Super Bowl XXI team in 1986.
Dickerson’s career statistics are impressive. He rushed for 13,259 yards and scored 90 touchdowns, and is currently ranked ninth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list. In addition to his individual accomplishments, Dickerson helped revolutionize the running back position in the NFL with his speed and agility.
Retirement and Legacy
Dickerson retired from the NFL in 1993 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. He remains an iconic figure in the world of football and is considered one of the greatest running backs of all time. Dickerson’s legacy will live on, as his records and achievements continue to inspire future generations of football players.
Eric Dickerson’s impact on the world of football is undeniable. His natural talent, combined with his work ethic and dedication, allowed him to achieve success at every level of the sport. Dickerson’s legacy as a football player will live on, as he paved the way for future generations of running backs. His contributions to the sport of football will not be forgotten, and his place in NFL history is secure.
Dickerson’s story is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. Despite his struggles with dyslexia and the challenges he faced growing up, he never lost sight of his dream to become a football player. His dedication to the sport and his natural talent allowed him to achieve greatness and set records that still stand today.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Dickerson is also known for his philanthropic work. He has worked with several charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of America, and has dedicated his time and resources to helping others.
Eric Dickerson’s career is a remarkable story of perseverance and success. He is a true Texas high school football legend, and his contributions to the game will be remembered for generations to come.
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