Eric Dickerson

Eric Dickerson is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, known for his unparalleled speed, vision, and ability to break long runs. Born on September 2, 1960, in Sealy, Texas, Dickerson attended Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he quickly made a name for himself with his electrifying performances. At SMU, he became a college football sensation, setting multiple records, including the NCAA single-season rushing record in 1982. His stellar college career caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the second overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft.

Dickerson’s professional career took off almost immediately. He set a rookie rushing record with 1,808 yards and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, it was in his second season (1984) that he truly cemented his legacy. Dickerson rushed for an NFL-record 2,105 yards in a single season, a record that still stands today. His remarkable combination of speed and power made him a dominant force on the field, and he earned six Pro Bowl selections and five First-Team All-Pro honors during his career. He played for several teams, including the Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons, but he is most closely associated with the Rams, where he spent the bulk of his career.

Beyond his individual records, Dickerson was instrumental in leading his teams to success. He played in several playoff games, helping elevate the Rams and Colts to new heights during his tenure. Over the course of his career, he rushed for 13,259 yards, placing him among the top rushing leaders of all time. Dickerson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999, a fitting recognition for a player whose impact on the game is still felt today. Known for his iconic “high knee” running style, Dickerson’s legacy remains intact as one of the most dominant and exciting players in the history of the NFL.

Gallery

Videos

Jersey Number

19, 29

Accolade

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. 6× Pro Bowl Selections. 5× First-Team All-Pro. NFL MVP. 3x NFL Rushing Yards Leader. Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. 2x All-American.

Position / Role

Sport

Graduation Year

[wpv-conditional if=”(‘‘ eq ‘4‘) OR (‘‘ eq ‘administrator’)”]

[/wpv-conditional]