American · Sealy, Texas · Born 2 September 1960American football running back who holds the NFL single-season rushing record with 2,105 yards set in 1984 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Born in Sealy, Texas, in 1960, Eric Demetric Dickerson emerged from humble beginnings to become one of football's most dominant rushing forces. After a standout high school career, he attended Southern Methodist University, where he formed a legendary backfield partnership with Craig James. The duo, nicknamed the "Pony Express," helped elevate SMU to national prominence in the early 1980s. The Los Angeles Rams selected Dickerson with the second overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, immediately recognizing his rare combination of size, speed, and vision. His rookie season proved spectacular, as he rushed for 1,808 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors. The following year delivered his masterpiece performance: 2,105 rushing yards in 1984, shattering O.J. Simpson's single-season record by 101 yards. This achievement came during his second of four consecutive Pro Bowl seasons with Los Angeles. Dickerson's tenure with the Rams ended abruptly in 1987 when contract disputes led to a complex three-team trade that sent him to the Indianapolis Colts. He continued his excellence in Indianapolis, rushing for over 1,000 yards in three of his four seasons there. Later stops with the Los Angeles Raiders and Atlanta Falcons rounded out his 11-year career. The defining characteristic of Dickerson's style was his distinctive upright running posture and exceptionally long stride, which allowed him to cover ground efficiently while maintaining balance through contact. His career rushing total of 13,259 yards ranked second all-time upon his retirement. The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted him in 1999, recognizing his transformative impact on the running back position. His 1984 rushing record remains unbroken decades later, cementing his status as one of the NFL's most prolific offensive weapons and establishing a benchmark that continues to define rushing excellence in professional football.
Setting the NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards in 1984
How They Played
Powerful runner with exceptional speed and upright running style, known for his distinctive goggles and ability to break long runs
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, holder of the single-season rushing record for over 40 years
Career Honours
- NFL Offensive Rookie of Year 1983
- NFL MVP 1983
- Pro Bowl 6x
- NFL single-season rushing record holder
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year 1986
- 4x NFL rushing yards leader
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | 1983–1987 | 71 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 1987–1991 | 64 |
| Los Angeles Raiders | 1992–1992 | 4 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 1993–1993 | 4 |
| Green Bay Packers | 1993–1993 | 1 |
American Athletes