Phillip Dorsett is a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, one of the most successful teams in the NFL. He has been playing in the league since 2015, when he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. He has a recognizable surname and is exceptionally quick on his feet. Many people are left to wonder, “Is this guy related to Tony Dorsett, a legendary Dallas Cowboys player?”
Tony Dorsett was a running back who played for the Cowboys from 1977 to 1987, and for the Denver Broncos in 1988. He won a Super Bowl ring in his rookie year and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994. He was also exceptionally quick, setting a record for the longest run from scrimmage in NFL history (99 yards) in 1983.
Due to his significant contribution to the Texans’ dynastic period in the NFL, many still mention him with nostalgia. Is quick feet and ability in the NFL genetically passed for the Dorsetts? That’s a possibility, but you might have to look elsewhere. The two players are not related.
Phillip Dorsett’s Father
Phillip Dorsett’s father is Phillip Dorsett Sr., who was also an athlete in his youth. He competed in track and field at Florida A&M University, where he met Phillip’s mother, Tammy Hill. He later became an assistant track coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Phillip attended and played football.
Phillip Dorsett Sr. has been a supportive and influential figure in his son’s life, encouraging him to pursue his dreams and work hard. He also added “II” to his jersey this year to pay respect to his dad and avoid any confusion about being the son of Tony Dorsett.
According to Sportskeeda, Phillip Dorsett said in an interview with The Indy Star:
We would get together by my dad’s side on Christmas Day after having a celebration at my place on Christmas Eve with my mom’s family. It has always been my favorite season.
Tony Dorsett’s Son
Tony Dorsett has a son who also played in the NFL, but his name is not Phillip. His name is Anthony Drew Dorsett Jr., and he was a defensive back who played for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans from 1996 to 2001, and for the Oakland Raiders from 2002 to 2004. He won an AFC Championship with the Titans in 1999, but lost to the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV.
Anthony Dorsett Jr. followed his father’s footsteps and attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he played both offense and defense. He was drafted by the Oilers in the sixth round of the 1996 NFL Draft.
According to AnswersAfrica, Tony Dorsett has four children: Anthony, Jazmyn, Madison, and Mia. He was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in 2013, a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head injuries.
Conclusion
Phillip Dorsett and Tony Dorsett are not related, despite sharing a surname and a profession. They both have their own fathers and sons who have been involved in sports and football. They both have their own achievements and challenges in their careers and lives. They both have their own stories to tell.
