Kevin Dyson

The wide receiver who caught the lateral for the Music City Miracle and was tackled one yard short in Super Bowl XXXIV.

Kevin Tyree Dyson, born June 23, 1975, is an American former professional football player who played wide receiver in the NFL. Selected 16th overall by the Tennessee Oilers in the 1998 NFL draft after starring for the Utah Utes, Dyson wore #87 for the franchise from 1998 to 2002. He is best known for his role in two historic plays: the Music City Miracle and The Tackle during Super Bowl XXXIV. Alongside his brother Andre, he became the first brothers in NFL history to score touchdowns in the same game. After retiring, Dyson pursued higher education, earning two master's degrees and a doctorate before becoming a middle school principal and later a high school principal.

Quick Facts

Position

Wide receiver

Born

23 June 1975

Birthplace

Logan, Utah, U.S.

High school

Clearfield (Clearfield, Utah)

College

Utah

Draft year

1998

Draft pick

Former teams

Tennessee Oilers/Titans (1998, 2002)
Carolina Panthers (2003)
San Diego Chargers (2004)
Washington Redskins (2005)

Lore & Background

Dyson's NFL career is defined by two contrasting moments that occurred during the 1999 playoffs. In the divisional round, he was the recipient of Frank Wycheck's famous lateral, known as the Music City Miracle, which secured a dramatic victory for the Titans. Conversely, in Super Bowl XXXIV against the Rams, Dyson caught a pass and ran toward the end zone before being tackled by Mike Jones exactly one yard short of scoring what would have been the game-tying or winning touchdown as time expired. Throughout his six NFL seasons, he played for the Tennessee Titans (1998–2002), Carolina Panthers (2003), San Diego Chargers (2004), and briefly signed with the Washington Redskins in 2005 before being cut on September 3. His brother Andre Dyson was also an NFL cornerback and former teammate, making them the first brothers to score touchdowns in the same game.

Reader's Guide

He wore number 87 for the Tennessee Titans from 1998 to 2002. His career statistics include 178 receptions, 2,325 yards, and 18 touchdowns over six seasons. His post-football career focused on education, leading to roles as a middle school principal and eventually a high school principal in Franklin, Tennessee.