Tony Dorsett

Heisman winner, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame running back for the Dallas Cowboys.

Anthony Drew Dorsett Sr. (born April 7, 1954) is an American former professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. He was the first-round, second overall draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1977 NFL draft. Dorsett was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and played for the team for 11 seasons until 1987. He won a Super Bowl in his rookie season over the Denver Broncos, with whom he spent his final season before retiring due to injuries. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1994) and College Football Hall of Fame (1994).

Quick Facts

Position: Running back
Born: 7 April 1954
Birthplace: Rochester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
High school: Hopewell (Aliquippa, Pennsylvania)
College: Pittsburgh (1973–1976)
Draft year: 1977
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 2

Lore & Background

Raised in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Dorsett attended Hopewell High School, where he played football and basketball. In 1971, he became an All-State selection after rushing for 1,034 yards and scoring 19 touchdowns. In 1972, he set a single-game rushing record with 247 yards and a single-season rushing record with 1,238 yards. At the University of Pittsburgh, he became the first freshman in 29 years to be named All-American in 1973. As a senior in 1976, he led the Panthers to a national championship, won the Heisman Trophy, and finished his college career with 6,082 total rushing yards, then an NCAA record. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

Reader's Guide

Dorsett was selected second overall in the 1977 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys. In his rookie season, he rushed for 1,007 yards, scored 12 touchdowns, and earned Rookie of the Year honors. He won Super Bowl XII with the Cowboys in his rookie season. His most productive season was in 1981, when he recorded 1,646 yards, breaking the Cowboys' franchise record. In 1982, he set a record with a 99-yard touchdown run. He played for the Cowboys for 11 seasons until 1987, then spent his final season with the Denver Broncos before retiring due to injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position did Tony Dorsett play?

Dorsett played as a running back, known for his elusive speed and powerful vision on the field. His ability to break tackles and gain yards transformed the Cowboys' ground game into a legendary weapon during his tenure.

Did Tony Dorsett win a Super Bowl?

Yes, he achieved immediate success by winning Super Bowl XII as a rookie with the Dallas Cowboys. He also appeared in Super Bowl XIII, cementing his legacy as a champion during the team's peak years.

What is Tony Dorsett's most significant NFL record?

He holds the NFL record for the longest rushing play from scrimmage at 99 yards. This incredible feat highlights the explosive speed and endurance that made him one of the league's top players.