Eric Dickerson

Eric Dickerson (born September 2, 1960 in Sealy, Texas) was a professional running back who in his career played for the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons.

Related Topics:
September 2 - 1960 - Sealy, Texas - Los Angeles Rams - Los Angeles Raiders - Indianapolis Colts - Atlanta Falcons

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Dickerson, a two-time All-America choice at Southern Methodist, was selected in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, 2nd overall. An immediate success, he established rookie records for most rushing attempts (390), most rushing yards gained (1,808) and most touchdowns rushing (18). His efforts earned him All-Pro, Pro Bowl, Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors.

Related Topics:
Southern Methodist - NFL Draft - Los Angeles Rams - Pro Bowl - Rookie of the Year

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In his second season, Dickerson continued his onslaught of the NFL record book. Twelve times during that season he gained more than 100 yards rushing, breaking the record of 100-yard games in a season held by O. J. Simpson. His 2,105 total yards rushing in 1984 shattered Simpson?s 1973 record of 2,003 yards rushing in a single season. Nobody to this date has more rushing yards in a single season.

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A workhorse runner with the Rams, Dickerson gained more than 1,000 yards each of his first four seasons with the team. In three of those seasons he gained more than 1,800 yards. Although he rushed for 1,234 yards in 1985, he missed the Pro Bowl for the first time in his short NFL career. He did, however, go on to rush for a playoff record 248 yards against the Dallas Cowboys in post-season play.

Related Topics:
Pro Bowl - Dallas Cowboys

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After playing just three games for the Rams during the strike-shortened 1987 season, Dickerson as traded to the Indianapolis Colts in one of the NFL's biggest trades ever, the Blockbuster Trade on Halloween 1987. Although he played in just nine games with the Colts that year, he still managed to gain 1,011 yards to finish the season with 1,288. In 1988, Dickerson, with 1,659 yards rushing, became the first Colt to lead the league in rushing since Alan Ameche in 1955.

Related Topics:
1987 - Indianapolis Colts - Blockbuster Trade on Halloween 1987 - Alan Ameche - 1955

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The following season he became the first player in NFL history to gain more than 1,000 yards in seven consecutive seasons. He also became the seventh back to gain more than 10,000 yards and the fastest ever to do so, reaching the milestone in just 91 games. During his 11-year career, Dickerson gained 13,259 yards rushing, which was second all-time at the time of his retirement, and rushed for 90 touchdowns. He another 2,137 yards and 6 touchdowns on 281 pass receptions. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Dickerson was All-Pro in 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987 and 1988.

Related Topics:
Pro Bowl - 1983 - 1984 - 1986 - 1987 - 1988

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Dickerson retired in 1993, with 15,411 combined rushing and recieving yards and was ranked the NFL's second all-time leading rusher at the time. In 1999 he entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Related Topics:
1993 - NFL - 1999 - Pro Football Hall of Fame

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