Dermontti Dawson

Dermontti Farra Dawson, born on June 17, 1965, in Lexington, Kentucky, redefined the center position in professional football. His exceptional athleticism, strength, and pioneering techniques made him one of the most dominant offensive linemen of his generation and a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers' success in the 1990s.

✦ College Career

Dawson attended the University of Kentucky, where he played college football for the Wildcats from 1984 to 1987. Although he was a talented track and field athlete in high school, focusing on discus and shot put, he was recruited for football and eventually settled in as a formidable guard. By his senior season in 1987, he had earned Second-team All-SEC honors, demonstrating his growing prowess on the offensive line and attracting the attention of NFL scouts.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Dawson was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round (44th overall pick) of the 1988 NFL Draft. Initially, he played guard as a rookie, gaining experience alongside veteran Pro Football Hall of Fame center Mike Webster. Following Webster's departure after the 1988 season, Dawson seamlessly transitioned to the starting center role in 1989, a position he would hold with distinction for the remainder of his career.

✦ Football Legacy

Dermontti Dawson spent his entire 13-season NFL career (1988-2000) with the Pittsburgh Steelers, becoming renowned for his "Dirt" nickname due to his physical, grinding style of play. He revolutionized the center position by showcasing unparalleled agility and explosive power, particularly excelling at pulling and blocking downfield – a technique rarely seen from centers before him. This ability allowed the Steelers' offensive line to create dynamic running lanes and became a signature of their potent rushing attack, which consistently ranked among the league's best.

Dawson anchored the Steelers' offensive line during a highly successful era for the franchise, including a Super Bowl XXX appearance and three AFC Championship Game berths. His consistent excellence and durability were evident in his 170 consecutive games started, the second-longest streak in Steelers history at the time. His impact on how the center position was played fundamentally changed the game. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. The Steelers have honored his legacy by not reissuing his Number 63 jersey since his retirement.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2012

✦ Pro Bowl: 7x (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998)

✦ First-Team All-Pro: 6x (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998)

✦ NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

✦ Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team

✦ Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor

✦ Second-team All-SEC: 1987 (College)

✦ NFLPA Co-AFC Offensive Lineman of the Year: 1993

✦ NFL Alumni Offensive Lineman of the Year: 1996

✦ NFL Career Stats (13 seasons):

Games Played: 184
Games Started: 181
Fumble Recoveries: 1

Prepare to delve into the illustrious career of Dermontti Dawson, a true game-changer who revolutionized how the center position was played in the NFL. This series will explore the remarkable athleticism, strength, and pioneering techniques that made Dawson an indispensable force for the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout the 1990s.

From his foundational years at the University of Kentucky to his seamless transition to anchoring one of the league's most dominant offensive lines, we’ll trace the journey of a player whose ability to pull and block downfield set a new standard. Discover the accolades, the pivotal moments, and the sheer physical dominance that cemented Dermontti Dawson's place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and as a beloved Steelers legend.