Eric Dickerson's NFL career, spanning from 1983 to 1993, was a dynamic period marked by extraordinary rushing achievements, significant team changes, and various personal and contractual challenges. From his explosive start with the Los Angeles Rams to his tenures with the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons, Dickerson consistently demonstrated his talent, even as he navigated the complexities of professional football. His
journey illustrates both the highs of record-breaking performances and the difficulties that can arise from contract disputes and injuries.
Dominance with the Los Angeles Rams
Drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 1983, Dickerson immediately made his presence felt. In his rookie year, he set multiple records, including 390 rushing attempts, 1,808 rushing yards, and 18 touchdowns, along with two receiving touchdowns. This stellar performance earned him All-Pro honors, a Pro Bowl selection, and both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards. His second season, 1984, was even more historic. He became the second player to exceed 2,000 rushing yards in a season, ultimately setting an NFL record with 2,105 yards. This record, achieved over 12 games with over 100 rushing yards each, remains unbroken. His 5.6 yards per carry average that year helped lead the Rams to the playoffs.
However, the 1985 season initiated a series of contractual disputes with the Rams. These issues culminated in 1987 when, after playing only three games in a strike-shortshortened season, Dickerson was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. This trade was one of the largest in league history, involving three teams and numerous players and draft picks, including Cornelius Bennett, Greg Bell, and several first and second-round selections.
Indianapolis Colts Era: Continued Success and New Obstacles
Upon joining the Indianapolis Colts, Dickerson quickly re-established his dominance. Despite playing in only nine games for the Colts in 1987, he still managed to rush for 1,011 yards, finishing the season with 1,288 total. He played a crucial role in leading the Colts to their first winning season and playoff appearance in a decade. In 1988, Dickerson had another standout year, rushing for 1,659 yards and becoming the first Colt since Alan Ameche in 1955 to lead the NFL in rushing. This marked the peak of his career with the Colts, though he continued to perform well, rushing for 1,311 yards in 1989.
The 1989 season was particularly notable as he surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards in just 91 games, making him the fastest player in NFL history to reach this milestone, outpacing legends like Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and LaDainian Tomlinson. He also set an NFL record with his seventh consecutive season of over 1,000 rushing yards, leading the league in four of those seasons. However, his later years with the Colts were marred by injuries, further contract disputes, and suspensions. At 29, he was the highest-paid running back in the NFL, earning $1.4 million annually. His prolonged complaints led the Colts to place him on the inactive list before the 1990 season, causing him to miss seven weeks and lose $600,000 in salary. He was suspended again in November 1991, and with advancing age and injuries, he rushed for only 536 yards that year, as the Colts finished with a dismal 1-15 record.
Later Career and Retirement
In 1992, Dickerson was traded to the Los Angeles Raiders, where he was unable to recapture his earlier form. The following year, 1993, he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, playing in only four games before the team attempted to trade him to the Green Bay Packers. However, he failed a physical examination with the Packers, leading him to announce his retirement. By the time of his retirement, Dickerson had accumulated 13,259 rushing yards over eleven seasons, placing him second only to Walter Payton on the all-time rushing list. He was selected to six Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams throughout his illustrious career.
