During the latest installment in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s “Heart of a Hall of Famer” series, ERIC DICKERSON gave students at Leuzinger High School in the Los Angeles area and virtually across the U.S. the opportunity to learn what it took beyond athletic ability to achieve success on and off the field.
Dickerson shared stories about his athletic career, including some about players he competed with and against over the years. He also focused on the importance of mentorship in the NFL and characteristics he believes help people succeed in all aspects of life. Check out the full episode below.
Dickerson, a two-time All-America choice at Southern Methodist, was selected in the first round of 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 rushing touchdowns (18). His efforts earned him All-Pro, Pro Bowl, Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors.
A workhorse runner with the Rams, Dickerson gained more than 1,000 yards each of his first four seasons with the team. In three of those seasons he gained more than 1,800 yards. Although he rushed for 1,234 yards in 1985, he missed the Pro Bowl for the first time in his short NFL career. He did, however, go on to rush for a playoff record 248 yards against the Dallas Cowboys in postseason play.
During his 11-year career, Dickerson gained 13,259 yards rushing, which was second all-time at the time of his retirement. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Dickerson was All-Pro in 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987 and 1988.