Growing up in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Dorsett was inspired by the success of his older brothers in football. He followed them into the game in high school and earned an All-State ranking as a defensive back his sophomore year. Like his brothers, he excelled as a running back. Already making a name for himself, he ranked as a high school All-American and caught the attention of the coaches at the University of Pittsburgh.

After joining the Pittsburgh Panthers in 1973, Dorsett quickly established his reputation as a star halfback and a major asset to the team. He was the first player in NCAA history with four 1,000 - yard seasons and three 1,500 - yard seasons. Acknowledged as one of the best college running backs of all time, Dorsett was a four-time NCAA All-American, and his skills propelled Pittsburgh to win the NCAA Collegiate Championship in 1976. It was also in 1976 that Dorsett was awarded the Heisman Trophy, presented annually to the outstanding collegiate football player in the United States.

In 1977, it was no surprise that Tony Dorsett was the number one NFL draft pick. He was quickly chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round. And while the young man from Pennsylvania may not have been a household name when he got to Texas, it didn’t take long for fans in Dallas to take notice. His exceptional performance during his first pro season won Dorsett consensus rookie-of-the-year honors for helping Dallas to become Super Bowl XXII Champions.

During his 11 seasons with Dallas, Dorsett was renowned for his speed on the field and his uncanny ability to find holes between defenders. Long runs became Dorsett’s specialty, and his record 99-yard touchdown run in 1983 against the Vikings remains unbroken. In 1982, Dorsett captured his first NFC rushing title, and he remains the fifth all-time leading rusher in the NFL. He is the only NFL runner to gain 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons. He also broke Bob Hayes’s club record for the most touchdowns and is the Cowboy’s second all-time leading rusher.