By Darin What if one of the most dominant two-way tackles in college football history—a man drafted by the New York Giants—decided to walk away from the bright lights of the NFL to serve his country as a Marine? Meet Kenneth Dement, the “roaming tackle” whose legendary career at Southeast Missouri State earned him a place among the icons in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Football Bio
February 13, 1933 – Poplar Bluff, Missouri – The great Southeast Missouri State tackle, Kenneth Dement, was born. Kenneth played for Southeast Missouri from 1951 through 1954, and he was a two-way tackle. The NFF reports that teammates claimed he roamed the field, making tackles like a linebacker from his down position. Kenneth Dement received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998. The New York Giants drafted Dement, but he joined the Marines instead of playing pro football, and he graduated from Quantico to become a captain in the Marine Corps.
Conclusion
Kenneth Dement remains a towering figure in the history of Southeast Missouri State athletics. His rare combination of size, agility, and defensive instincts made him a pioneer of the two-way tackle position. While football fans often wonder what he might have accomplished in the NFL with the Giants, his dedication to the Marine Corps defines a legacy built on character, service, and sacrifice. He wasn’t just a Hall of Fame player; he was a leader on and off the gridiron.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1998.
- Three-Time All-Conference Selection: Named to the All-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) first team (1952, 1953, 1954).
- NFL Draft Pick: Selected by the New York Giants in the 1955 NFL Draft.
- Southeast Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame: Charter member, inducted in 1988.
- Iron Man Performer: Recognized for playing nearly every minute of every game as a two-way tackle during his collegiate career.
