Place of birth: Vernon, Texas Undrafted: 1989 Education University of Houston College: Houston Weight 82 kg | High school: Vernon (TX) Role American football player Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) Name James Dixon Positions Wide receiver | |
Date of birth: (1967-02-02) February 2, 1967 (age 48) | ||
James Anthony Dixon (born February 2, 1967) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of Houston.
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Early years
Dixon attended Vernon High School, before moving on to Cisco Junior College. He transferred to the University of Houston after his sophomore season.
As a junior, he posted 59 receptions for 659 yards and 3 touchdowns. In 1988, the football team was employing the run and shoot offense with Andre Ware at quarterback and Jason Phillips as the main wide receiver. Dixon and Phillips became the first teammates in school history to register 1,000-receiving yards seasons in the same year. They are also the only wide receiver unit in NCAA history to each record over 100 receptions and rank 1-2 in the nation in receiving in the same season. He finished the year with 102 receptions for 1,103 yards and 11 touchdowns, while receiving second-team All-American honors.
Detroit Lions
Dixon was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Detroit Lions after the 1989 NFL Draft, who were using the run and shoot offense. He was waived on August 29.
Dallas Cowboys
Dixon was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys. As a rookie, he finished second in the NFC in kick return average and was the first Cowboy player to return a kickoff for a touchdown since 1975.
He also had a 75-yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals, the same game that Troy Aikman set a then-NFL rookie record with 379 passing yards. He was released on October 17, 1991.
Fort Worth Cavalry (AFL)
In 1994, he signed with the Fort Worth Cavalry of the Arena Football League to play wide receiver/defensive back.