Eric Dickerson Quotes

Powerful Eric Dickerson for Daily Growth

About Eric Dickerson

Eric Dickerson, born on August 7, 1960, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a renowned American football running back who had an illustrious career in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his agility, speed, and elusive running style, Dickerson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. Raised in Crenshaw, Los Angeles, California, Dickerson attended Bishop Amat High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. His impressive high school career earned him a scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC). There, he played for the USC Trojans from 1978 to 1981, setting multiple Pac-10 records and becoming the first player in NCAA history to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams as the fifth overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, Dickerson made an immediate impact on the league. In his rookie season, he broke the NFL single-season rushing touchdown record with 21 touchdowns and was awarded the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He continued to dominate the field, setting numerous rushing records and earning six Pro Bowl selections during his tenure with the Rams. Traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 1987, Dickerson played for the Colts until 1988 when he was traded to the Los Angeles Raiders. His NFL career ended in 1993 after a brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons. Post-retirement, Dickerson has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors and serves as an analyst for the NFL Network. Eric Dickerson's electrifying playing style, combined with his determination and dedication to the sport, have cemented his place among the greatest running backs in NFL history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I don't believe in 'can't.' You just have to be willing to work for it."

This quote emphasizes the power of a positive mindset and personal determination. Eric Dickerson suggests that there is no such thing as an impossible task, but rather challenges or obstacles that require effort and perseverance to overcome. In other words, if one is willing to work hard for their goals, they can achieve them despite any apparent difficulties or limitations. It encourages people to believe in themselves, persist through adversity, and never give up on their dreams.


"The best defense is a good offense."

The quote "The best defense is a good offense" suggests that taking action to advance your position or goals is more effective than simply reacting to what others do. It implies that being proactive and making strategic moves can prevent potential threats or difficulties, as they create opportunities for progress and reduce the need for reactive responses which may be less controlled and potentially detrimental. This philosophy can apply to various aspects of life, from sports to business and personal relationships.


"There are two kinds of people: those who play football and those who watch football. I never understood the ones who only watched."

This quote by Eric Dickerson highlights the distinction he sees between individuals who actively participate in the sport of football (players) and those who merely observe it (spectators). He implies a deeper connection, understanding, or appreciation for the game that comes from actually playing it. The quote suggests that there's an inherent difference in perspective and experience between the two groups, with players having a more intimate relationship with the sport due to their direct involvement.


"I want to run with the ball as much as possible. That's where my heart is."

Eric Dickerson expresses a deep passion for his role in football – carrying the ball – which he identifies as the source of his joy and motivation. His quote reveals an athlete who thrives under pressure, seeking opportunities to excel through individual performance rather than relying on team strategy alone. The quote also suggests a high level of commitment and focus from Dickerson, as he prefers to be directly involved in the most challenging aspects of the game.


"When you're a running back, you need that mindset of being an assassin. You need to be aggressive and relentless."

Eric Dickerson's quote emphasizes the mindset required for success as a running back in American football, positioning oneself as an "assassin" symbolizes a ruthless and tenacious approach to the game. This mentality requires being aggressive, demonstrating constant forward momentum, and refusing to be stopped or deterred, which are essential traits for a successful running back. The quote suggests that those who aspire to excel in this role must possess a relentless drive and unwavering focus on their goal – the pursuit of victory.


I was raised by my great-great aunt. I was adopted within our family. My mother had me when she was, I think, 15, 16. They tried to get her to have an abortion and she refused. So, my 'mama' adopted me, which was really her great aunt, which was really my great-great aunt, who was named Viola Dickerson. I was told that my mother was my sister.

- Eric Dickerson

Abortion, I Think, Named, Viola

Anything will worry me. I may not get a check for the light bill off in time and I just get to worrying. I'm a worrywart.

- Eric Dickerson

Worry, Will, May, I May Not

The perfect fit for L.A. would be the St. Louis Rams. I really believe that. I know their stadium deal is about expired, or it is expired. They're working through that. I think it would be the old Los Angeles Rams in town.

- Eric Dickerson

Through, Deal, I Think, Perfect Fit

Most of the hits I take come on top of the shoulder pads.

- Eric Dickerson

Most, Hits, Take, Shoulder

I love golf. But do you know how I got good at golf? Because of Charles Barkley. I was playing with Charles, Michael Jordan and Roy Green, and Charles was talking so much trash. On every shot, he was talking trash. So I left the tournament, and I went and practiced for a year and half.

- Eric Dickerson

Love, Michael Jordan, Half, Jordan

Running is so natural to me. When I was running track, people used to ask me, 'When are you gonna start running hard?' The wind hits me in the face, and I feel so smooth... Man, I love to run!

- Eric Dickerson

Love, Run, Feel, Wind

I've stayed buddies with my old buddy Jackie Slater. I talk to Jackie Slater. I play golf with Marcus Allen a lot. I play golf with Marshall Faulk a lot. My buddy Craig Young, he lives up in New Mexico. I still talk to a lot of the guys.

- Eric Dickerson

Play, Young, Allen, Buddies

I'm just not the outgoing bubble of energy. But if I know you, it's different. Practical jokes. Have fun. I'm not looking for any new friends. I got my friends.

- Eric Dickerson

New, Outgoing, Practical, Jokes

I think I'm proudest of making my parents proud.

- Eric Dickerson

Think, Making, I Think, Proudest

I'll tell you one thing about me: I'm very private. I always have been private. People think I'm callous, arrogant. I didn't like the media attention.

- Eric Dickerson

Think, Always, Very, Callous

In the NFL, you have a short shelf life. As a running back, if you're the first pick, and you're NFL life expectancy is only 3.5-6 years, your first big contract might not come until three years in - well, you might never get there. They need to get those signing bonuses up front because nothing is guaranteed.

- Eric Dickerson

Big, Back, Life Expectancy, Shelf

I believe if I stay tall and run up high, I can see better.

- Eric Dickerson

Better, See, High, Tall

When you look at guys who get recruited, most of the best athletes, they come from poor families. I don't forget. I was a junior looking through my mother's stuff and looked at her bank statement, and we had $30 in the bank.

- Eric Dickerson

Best, Through, Had, Junior

I run upright mostly when I see daylight, so if you watch film you'll see I don't get hit in the chest much.

- Eric Dickerson

I See, Mostly, Chest, Upright

Them sportswriters don't even know how to put uniforms on, most of 'em.

- Eric Dickerson

How, Most, Even, Uniforms

In the NFL they talk about 'contracts,' but it's not really a contract, it's a one year agreement. If you have a 10 year contract, it means nothing. If you get cut in the NFL, you get nothing. People don't talk about that.

- Eric Dickerson

Agreement, Cut, Means, NFL

I'd love to be in the Hall of Fame one day and win Super Bowl rings, or even one... and stay healthy.

- Eric Dickerson

Love, One Day, Super Bowl, Rings

She told me I wasn't playing for the coach, I was playing for myself.

- Eric Dickerson

Myself, Me, She, Coach

Playing the running back position, your legs, that's your living, that's how you make your living. You have to have great thighs, knees, everything.

- Eric Dickerson

Living, Thighs, Knees, Legs

When they have their hands on their knees, that's when they're tired.

- Eric Dickerson

Tired, Hands, Knees

I love being single. I can come and go as I please and stay out as late as I want to.

- Eric Dickerson

Love, Want, Go, Please

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