Tony Dorsett Biography

Anthony Drew Dorsett Sr., born April 7, 1954, played professional football in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. Raised in western Pennsylvania, he led the Pittsburgh Panthers to a national title as a senior in 1976 and won the Heisman Trophy. Dorsett earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and spent 11 seasons with the Cowboys, retiring in 1987. As a high school sophomore in 1970, he started at cornerback due to his 147-pound frame, despite preferring running back. In 1971, he secured the starting running back role after a 75-yard screen pass touchdown against Ambridge. In 1972, he set a single-game record with 247 yards, recorded 1,238 rushing yards in a season, and achieved 2,272 career yards. The NCAA allowed freshmen to play in 1972, and in 1973, Dorsett became the first freshman in 29 years to earn All-American honors.