Eric Dickerson: Net Worth| Who is| Wife| Wikipedia| Record

Introduction

Eric Dickerson is one of the most celebrated running backs in NFL history. His name still resonates with fans, sports analysts, and football historians, thanks to his spectacular records, storied career, and enduring legacy. In this article, we’ll explore Eric Dickerson’s net worth, biography (who he is), personal life (wife and family), Wikipedia details, and notable records that cemented his status among the legends of American football.

Who Is Eric Dickerson? (Biography & Early Life)

Full Name: Eric Demetric Dickerson
Date of Birth: September 2, 1960
Place of Birth: Sealy, Texas, USA
Height / Weight (playing): ~6 ft 3 in, 220 lb (99 kg)

Early Years & High School

Growing up in Sealy, Texas, Dickerson displayed athletic promise early. Details about his high school years show that he developed both speed and strength—attributes that would later become hallmarks of his professional career. (While many biographical sources mention his Texas upbringing, specific high school stats are less widely documented.)

College Career

Dickerson attended Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he played for the SMU Mustangs. At SMU, he formed part of a powerful backfield (sometimes associated with the “Pony Express” moniker, especially when paired with Craig James) and earned unanimous All-American honors in 1982.

By the time he declared for the NFL draft, he had already built a reputation as one of the top collegiate running backs.

Entry into the NFL

In the 1983 NFL Draft, Eric Dickerson was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Rams. From the outset, he made an immediate impact in the league, setting rookie records and asserting himself among the elite.

Over the course of his career, he played for several teams:

• Los Angeles Rams (1983–1987)

• Indianapolis Colts (1987–1991)

• Los Angeles Raiders (1992)

• Atlanta Falcons (1993)

He played 11 seasons in the NFL before retiring.

Dickerson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999, affirming his place among the all-time greats.

Eric Dickerson on Wikipedia & Public Profile

The Wikipedia entry for Eric Dickerson provides a concise overview of his life, career, and achievements. Some key points featured there include:

• His full name (Eric Demetric Dickerson) and birth details.

• Career summary: 11 seasons, played for four NFL teams, over 13,000 rushing yards.

• Notable records, including the single-season rushing record (2,105 yards in 1984).

• Honors: Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, induction into Hall of Fame, and being named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

• Personal attributes such as his use of prescription goggles (due to myopia) during games.

Because Wikipedia is publicly editable, it’s always good to cross-reference major facts, but as of now, the entry gives a solid backbone for his biography and career.

Net Worth of Eric Dickerson

Estimating net worth for public figures—especially retired athletes—can be challenging due to factors like investments, debt, business ventures, and private financial dealings. However, several widely referenced sources provide a ballpark estimate for Dickerson’s net worth.

• Celebrity Net Worth estimates Eric Dickerson’s net worth at $10 million.

• The Richest similarly lists his net worth at $10 million, citing his NFL career earnings and post-career ventures.

• Some sources mention that Dickerson faced financial difficulties post-career—he is reported to have filed for bankruptcy in 2008.

• Articles such as AfroTech profile a particular episode in which Dickerson was defrauded by a “fake Italian count” (Luigi DiFonzo), who allegedly swindled millions from him, which contributed to his financial struggles.

• Other sources, like PeopleAI, suggest much higher valuations in more recent years (e.g. $17.9 million or $19.9 million), but these figures are speculative and less substantiated.

Overall, most reliable references tend to cluster around the $10 million figure. It is likely that his net worth has fluctuated over time, influenced by investments, legal issues, and endorsements.

Factors Affecting His Net Worth

• NFL Earnings: Over his 11-year career, Dickerson earned substantial salaries, bonuses, and endorsements.

• Post-career ventures: He has been involved in business and memorabilia enterprises (as suggested by some sources).

• Legal & financial challenges: The reported fraud, bankruptcy filing, and other financial mismanagement may have reduced his net worth at various points.

Wife, Relationships & Family

Spouse: Penny Sutton

Eric Dickerson is widely reported to be married to Penny Sutton. Some sources say they have been together for decades.

They are believed to have two children: a daughter named Erica and a son named Dallis.

Other Relationships / Engagements

Some genealogical sources (such as Wikitree) claim that Dickerson was at one time engaged to Rea Ann Silva, a makeup artist/entrepreneur, and that they had a daughter together. However, this claim appears in less formal or less verified sources and is not widely cited in major publications.

Because public records and mainstream media do not universally corroborate that engagement, it should be treated cautiously unless further evidence emerges.

Public & Private Life

Dickerson tends to keep his private life relatively private. While his marriage to Penny Sutton and their children are known, further details—such as date of marriage, personal anecdotes, or deep family history—are not broadly published in reliable media sources.

Records & Career Highlights

Eric Dickerson’s name is synonymous with elite achievement in running back lore. Here are some of his most significant records, accolades, and career highlights:

Single-Season Rushing Record

One of Dickerson’s most famous records is the NFL single-season rushing record: 2,105 yards, set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams. That record still stands today, over decades later, making it one of the toughest records to break in NFL history.

Rookie Season Records

In his rookie year (1983), Dickerson made waves by setting rookie records in:

• Rushing attempts (390)

• Rushing yards (1,808)

• Rushing touchdowns (18)

He earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and was named to the All-Pro team in that rookie season.

Consistency & Milestones

• 13,259 rushing yards over his NFL career.

• He averaged ~4.4 yards per carry.

• Pro Bowl selections: 6 times.

• All-Pro selections: Multiple times across years.

• He led the league in rushing in multiple seasons (e.g. 1984, 1986, 1988)

• He was the first player to reach over 10,000 yards in the fewest games at his time.

• He holds several team and playoff records — for example, a playoff single-game rushing record of 248 yards against the Dallas Cowboys while with the Rams.

Legacy & Honors

• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 1999)

• Featured on the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

• Often ranked among the greatest running backs in NFL history in numerous retrospective lists and analyses

These records and honors ensure that Dickerson’s name remains a benchmark for future generations of running backs.

Challenges, Controversies & Financial Ups and Downs

While Dickerson’s on-field career was stellar, his journey off the field has had its share of challenges.

Financial Problems & Fraud

As mentioned earlier, Eric Dickerson reportedly filed for bankruptcy in 2008.

One particularly infamous episode involves Luigi DiFonzo, a man who allegedly posed as a titled Italian “count” and allegedly swindled Dickerson (and others) in large monetary schemes. Some reports suggest that tens of millions were lost in the fraud, though the precise figure Dickerson lost is uncertain.

In interviews, Dickerson has warned younger athletes about financial mismanagement, stressing the importance of trustworthy advisors and cautious handling of wealth.

Injuries & Playing Decline

Toward the end of his career, injuries and declining performance played a role in his reduced output and eventual retirement. After being traded to the Raiders and then to the Falcons, he played in a backup capacity and failed a physical with the Packers, which officially ended his NFL career.

How Much Did He Earn in the NFL? (Rough Estimates)

Although exact contract details for every season may not be publicly available, sources reporting on his career earnings show:

• Early contracts with the Rams, increasing in value as he proved himself.

• With the Indianapolis Colts, he signed a four-year contract extension worth around $11.2 million (per The Richest)

• In later seasons (e.g., with Atlanta), he is credited with salaries like $3.3 million in one year.

• Overall, estimates put his career earnings (salary + bonuses) at roughly $18.6 million (per Celebrity Net Worth)

Keep in mind that these numbers exclude taxes, agent fees, living costs, and financial setbacks; the net amount he actually kept would be lower.

Why Eric Dickerson Still Matters

Eric Dickerson’s legacy persists for multiple reasons:

1. Longevity of Records
   His single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards remains one of the most celebrated and long-lasting records in NFL history.

2. Consistency & Peak Performance
   He was not a one-season wonder; Dickerson maintained high output across multiple seasons, earning multiple rushing titles and recognizing him repeatedly among the top backs of his era.

3. Influence on Future Generations
   Many running backs who followed cite his physical style, speed, and workload as inspirations.

4. Cautionary Financial Lessons
   His post-career financial trials serve as a lesson in the pitfalls athletes may face after retirement—highlighting the need for wise financial planning and trust.

5. Cultural Icon
   Beyond stats, Dickerson is remembered as part of the 1980s NFL golden era. His use of goggles (due to myopia), imposing build, and trademark running style made him visually and culturally distinctive.

Conclusion

Eric Dickerson is far more than a footnote in NFL history. From his blazing starts at SMU to shattering records in the NFL, to navigating the complexities of life after pro sports, his journey remains compelling. While his estimated net worth of around $10 million reflects his success, it also underscores the challenges retired athletes can face—even legends.

His marriage to Penny Sutton and their family life remains relatively private, but publicly known. His records, especially the legendary 2,105-yard single season, continue to challenge and inspire players decades later. His inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and on the NFL 100th Anniversary Team cements his status among the all-time greats.