Dickerson honored in hometown
Hall of Famers
Published on : 9/11/2012
The “Hometown Hall of Famers™” program kicked off its fall 2012 series as the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Allstate Insurance Company honored Eric Dickerson with a plaque dedication ceremony at Sealy High School in Sealy, Texas. Enthusiasm was high from all in attendance, which included Sealy High School’s pep band, student body, cheerleaders, dance team and the entire varsity football team, as well as family and friends of the Hall of Fame running back.
Presenting Dickerson with his plaque was his cousin, Buffy Seals, who shared personal stories of when she and Dickerson attended high school together and how he was a humble and dedicated student-athlete. Buffy’s son, Ricky Seals Jones, is currently on the Sealy High School varsity football team, carrying on the family football tradition.
{GALLERY}After unveiling his plaque, Dickerson stood at the podium and delivered a heartfelt speech filled with advice for the students in attendance about taking pride in their lives and doing things “full speed,” and reminding them that, “it only takes a second to get in trouble, but a lifetime to get out of it.” He repeatedly encouraged the students to give 100 percent of their talent and effort toward whatever profession they choose to pursue.
Additional speakers included event emcee and local sports commentator, Jim Turnbull and George Veras, president and CEO of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enterprise.
“Eric Dickerson reached the pinnacle of success in professional football through many years of hard work and dedication, and he delivered this powerful message to the students of Sealy High School as they dream about their futures,” said Veras. “Sealy High School is now an extension of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and this plaque will serve as an inspiration for future generations.”
After a standout high school career, Dickerson went on to star as a running back for Southern Methodist University (SMU) where he totaled 48 career touchdowns and First-team All-American honors in 1982. In his senior year at SMU, Dickerson finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting behind Herschel Walker and John Elway.
Selected second overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1983 NFL Draft, Dickerson rushed for a rookie record 1,808 yards followed by his record-setting 2,105 yards in 1984. He eclipsed more than 1,800 yards in three of his first four seasons. During his career, that also included years with the Indianapolis Colts (1987-1991), Los Angeles Raiders (1992) and Atlanta Falcons (1993), Dickerson had a total of 90 rushing touchdowns and 13,259 rushing yards, making him the NFL’s second all-time leading rusher when he retired. Dickerson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999, his first year of eligibility in 1999.
“To be part of a program that brings the prestige and tradition of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to communities like Sealy is an honor for Allstate, our agents and employees,” said Lisa Cochrane, Allstate’s senior vice president of marketing.
Presenting Dickerson with his plaque was his cousin, Buffy Seals, who shared personal stories of when she and Dickerson attended high school together and how he was a humble and dedicated student-athlete. Buffy’s son, Ricky Seals Jones, is currently on the Sealy High School varsity football team, carrying on the family football tradition.
{GALLERY}After unveiling his plaque, Dickerson stood at the podium and delivered a heartfelt speech filled with advice for the students in attendance about taking pride in their lives and doing things “full speed,” and reminding them that, “it only takes a second to get in trouble, but a lifetime to get out of it.” He repeatedly encouraged the students to give 100 percent of their talent and effort toward whatever profession they choose to pursue.
Additional speakers included event emcee and local sports commentator, Jim Turnbull and George Veras, president and CEO of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enterprise.
“Eric Dickerson reached the pinnacle of success in professional football through many years of hard work and dedication, and he delivered this powerful message to the students of Sealy High School as they dream about their futures,” said Veras. “Sealy High School is now an extension of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and this plaque will serve as an inspiration for future generations.”
After a standout high school career, Dickerson went on to star as a running back for Southern Methodist University (SMU) where he totaled 48 career touchdowns and First-team All-American honors in 1982. In his senior year at SMU, Dickerson finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting behind Herschel Walker and John Elway.
Selected second overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1983 NFL Draft, Dickerson rushed for a rookie record 1,808 yards followed by his record-setting 2,105 yards in 1984. He eclipsed more than 1,800 yards in three of his first four seasons. During his career, that also included years with the Indianapolis Colts (1987-1991), Los Angeles Raiders (1992) and Atlanta Falcons (1993), Dickerson had a total of 90 rushing touchdowns and 13,259 rushing yards, making him the NFL’s second all-time leading rusher when he retired. Dickerson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999, his first year of eligibility in 1999.
“To be part of a program that brings the prestige and tradition of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to communities like Sealy is an honor for Allstate, our agents and employees,” said Lisa Cochrane, Allstate’s senior vice president of marketing.
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