American football player, one of the greatest running backs in American football history. He ranks among the leaders in yards gained, with a career rushing total of 12,739 yards.
Dorsett was born Anthony Drew Dorsett in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. He became a star halfback at the University of Pittsburgh, and was recognized as one of the best college running backs in each of his four seasons there. In 1976 Dorsett led his team to the unofficial college championship and won the Heisman Trophy as the best college football player in the country. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL) in the first round of the 1977 college player draft.
Dorsett played eleven seasons for Dallas (1977-1987). He was a fast, elusive runner, with a gift for finding gaps between defenders. Long runs became his specialty. He set an NFL record with a 99-yd run against the Minnesota Vikings in 1983. Dorsett played his 12th and final season for the Denver Broncos in 1988. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.