Phillip Dorsett is a rising star in the NFL as a wide receiver. He has played for teams like the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots, and has shown his speed and skill on the field. He also has a very familiar surname, Dorsett, that reminds many fans of another NFL legend, Tony Dorsett. Tony Dorsett was a Hall of Fame running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos, and won a Super Bowl ring in his rookie season. He was also a Heisman Trophy winner and a national champion in college football.
With such a remarkable similarity in their names and careers, many people wonder: is Phillip Dorsett related to Tony Dorsett? The answer is no. They are not related by blood or by marriage. They just happen to share a common last name and a passion for football.
How Phillip Dorsett got his name
Phillip Dorsett was born on January 5, 1993, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His father is Phillip Dorsett Sr., who was also an athlete in his youth. He ran track and played football at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where he later became an assistant coach. He also coached his son Phillip Jr., who followed in his footsteps and attended the same school.
Phillip Jr. said that his father named him after himself, not after Tony Dorsett. He also said that he never met Tony Dorsett, but he admired him as a player and watched his highlights growing up. He said that he often got asked if he was related to Tony Dorsett, especially when he was drafted by the Colts in 2015.
“I think I get that probably every day,” he said, laughing. “I am not, but…”
How Tony Dorsett made his name
Tony Dorsett was born on April 7, 1954, in Rochester, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, where he played football and basketball at Hopewell High School. He was a star running back who broke several records and earned All-State honors.
He went on to play college football at the University of Pittsburgh, where he became one of the greatest players in history. He led the Panthers to the national championship in 1976, and won the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, and the Walter Camp Award as the best player in the nation. He also set NCAA records for career rushing yards (6,082) and touchdowns (59).
He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys as the second overall pick in 1977. He had an immediate impact on the team, helping them win Super Bowl XII in his rookie year. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and made the Pro Bowl four times in his career. He also became the first player to rush for more than 1,000 yards in eight consecutive seasons.
He played for the Cowboys for 11 years, until he was traded to the Denver Broncos in 1988. He played one more season with the Broncos before retiring due to injuries. He finished his career with 12,739 rushing yards, 77 rushing touchdowns, 398 receptions, 3,554 receiving yards, and 13 receiving touchdowns.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994. He is also a member of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor and has his number 33 retired by the University of Pittsburgh.
He has four children: Anthony Jr., Jazmyn, Madison, and Mia. Anthony Jr., who goes by Drew, also played football as a defensive back at Pitt and in the NFL for several teams.
Conclusion
Phillip Dorsett and Tony Dorsett are not related, but they have both made their mark on the NFL as talented players with speed and agility. They have also faced some challenges and hardships in their lives, such as injuries and health issues.
Phillip Dorsett is still playing in the NFL as a free agent after spending last season with the Seattle Seahawks. He hopes to find a new team that will give him a chance to showcase his abilities.
Tony Dorsett is living with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. He has experienced memory loss, depression, mood swings, and suicidal thoughts. He is also involved in several lawsuits against the NFL over its handling of concussions.
Despite their different backgrounds and paths, Phillip Dorsett and Tony Dorsett share more than just a name. They share a love for football and a legacy of excellence.
