Eric Dickerson, born September 2, 1960, native of Sealy, Texas is a former professional running back in of the NFL. His career highlights include playing for the Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons.
College career
Eric’s college selection had a huge impact by his grandmother, where he opted to attend SMU over the other college offers. Dickerson gained 4,450 yards on 790 carries to break Earl Campbell’s Southwest Conference record for yards and attempts. His 48 career touchdowns tied Doak Walker’s SMU total for career scoring. He was also a First‐team All‐American in 1982 and a Second‐team All‐American in 1981.
1983–1987: L.A. Rams
While he considered going to the Los Angeles Express in the United States Football League, Dickerson decided to go into the National Football League. He was selected second overall in the 1983 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. An immediate success, he established rookie records for most rushing attempts (390), most rushing yards gained (1,808) and most touchdowns rushing (18), including another two receiving touchdowns. His efforts earned him All‐Pro, Pro Bowl, Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors.
In his second season, eleven times in 1984 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 beat Simpson’s 1973 NFL season record of 2,003 yards. No one has since rushed for more yards in a single NFL season. Dickerson's 5.6 yards per carry led the Rams to a playoff berth in 1984.
1987–1991: Indianapolis Colts
Dickerson was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in one of the NFL's biggest trades ever, a three‐way deal between the Rams, the Buffalo Bills and Colts. He played in just nine games with the Colts and he gained 1,011 yards to finish the season with 1,288. He helped the team to their first winning season in 10 years.
In 1988, Dickerson, with 1,659 yards rushing, became the first Colt to lead the league in rushing since Alan Ameche in 1955. 1989 was the year that he passed the 10,000 yard mark, and was the fastest player ever to do so. In 1989, he had set a new NFL record with seven straight seasons of more than 1,000 yards rushing, and led the league for four of those seasons.
1992–1993: LA Raiders
On April 26, 1992, rushed 107 yards against the Broncos, 103 against the Chargers, where he recorded his 63rd and 64th career 100 yard games.
1993‐ Atlanta Falcons
The following season, Dickerson was traded to the Atlanta Falcons and retired as the 2nd leading rusher of all‐time after failing a physical with the Packers.
After Dickerson’s Pro Career Founded by NFL Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson and his wife Penny Sutton. The foundation focused on providing support for current school programs and assistance for higher education. Eric and Penny take great pride in being able to give back to the community in ways that can forever impact a youth’s life.
Eric’s greatest pride comes from his two daughters, 23 year old Erica and 5 year old Keri. He has received many awards and honors in his name throughout his career, but none as valuable as the two daughters that carry his name.
In 1999, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. During the 2007 football season, Dickerson worked as a broadcaster for KCBS television in Los Angeles, providing commentary for NFL pregame and postgame shows.
He most recently started a company alongside former Los Angeles Rams teammate LeRoy Irvin called Original Mini’s, Inc. The company manufactures NFL and MLB products, and distributes to 72 colleges throughout the country. The company received their NFL license in 2006 and sells authentic miniature replica jerseys.
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