Net Worth Ranker
What Is Tony Dorsett’s Net Worth?
Tony Dorsett, a celebrated former American football running back, has accumulated a net worth of $5 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful career playing for the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos. Dorsett officially retired from professional football in 1989, marking the end of an era for one of the sport’s most dynamic players.
Early Life and High School Career
Anthony Drew Dorsett Sr. was born on April 7, 1954, in Rochester, Pennsylvania. He spent his formative years in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, located northwest of Pittsburgh. Dorsett’s athletic journey began at Hopewell High School, where he showcased his talents in both football and basketball. Initially, during his sophomore year, his football coaches expressed concerns about his suitability for the running back position, a role he had held since junior high, citing his perceived lack of size. However, a pivotal competition between Dorsett and fellow sophomore Michael Kimbrough altered the course of his high school career. In the season opener, Dorsett secured his position by executing a screen pass, transforming it into a remarkable 75-yard touchdown run. That year, he achieved All-State selection, amassing 1,034 rushing yards and scoring 19 touchdowns. The following year, Tony was again honored as an All-State selection. During this year, he set a single-game rushing record for the school with 247 yards against Sharon and a single-season rushing record of 1,238 yards. In his senior year, Dorsett participated in the Big 33 Football Classic, where he was scouted live for the first time by his future coach, Johnny Majors. Hopewell Stadium later received the honor of being renamed Tony Dorsett Stadium. In 2001, the school demonstrated its lasting respect by retiring his #33 jersey.
College Football Stardom at the University of Pittsburgh
Dorsett commenced his college football journey at the University of Pittsburgh, quickly establishing himself as a standout player. Notably, he became the first freshman in 29 years to earn the prestigious All-American title. His performance was instrumental in guiding the team to its first winning season in a decade. It was during this period that Anthony began to be known as Tony, influenced by the school’s athletic department, who suggested the change as a nod to the initials “TD,” symbolizing “touchdown.” In 1976, Dorsett’s team clinched the National Championship. That same year, he was honored with the Walter Camp Award, the Maxwell Award, and the coveted Heisman Trophy. He was a three-time (1973, 1975, 1976) first-team All-American with the Pittsburgh Panthers and second-team in 1974. As a testament to his impact, Dorsett became the first Pitt player to have his jersey retired. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in college football history. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
NFL Career: Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos
The Pittsburgh-born athlete was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1977 NFL Draft. Dorsett signed a five-year contract worth $1.1 million – the second-highest contract to be signed by a rookie at that time and the first contract in Cowboys history to surpass the $1 million mark. Tony made an immediate impact in his rookie season. He surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark and scored 12 touchdowns, earning Rookie of the Year honors. He became the first player to win the college football championship and then win the Super Bowl the next year. He helped the Cowboys defeat the Denver Broncos 27-10 in Super Bowl XII. Dorsett earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 1981 and Second-Team All-Pro selections in 1982 and 1983. He was also a four-time Pro Bowler from 1978 and then consecutively from 1981 to 1983. Dorsett remained with the Cowboys for ten years, solidifying his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. In 1988, he was traded to the Denver Broncos for a conditional fifth-round draft pick. However, injuries eventually led to his retirement from professional football in 1989.
In 1994, Tony was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, an honor that cemented his place among the legends of the game. That same year, he was also enshrined in the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor, further solidifying his connection to the team and its fans. Throughout his professional football career, Tony Dorsett accumulated impressive statistics, including 12,739 rushing yards with an average of 4.3 yards per carry, accompanied by 77 touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded 3,554 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Tony Dorsett’s net worth of $5 million is a reflection of his successful football career and subsequent endeavors.
Philanthropic Work and Personal Life
Beyond his achievements on the football field, Dorsett has been actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. He has been instrumental in raising awareness for sleep apnea, hosting free public awareness events in local communities across the country. His efforts have significantly improved the health of current and former professional athletes through successful treatment for the sleeping disorder. As host of the Tony Dorsett Celebrity Golf Classic for McGuire Memorial, he has helped raise over $10 million for the McGuire Memorial Home. This organization provides essential services to children and adults with severe mental and physical disabilities. Tony is married to his wife, Janet, and they have four children: Anthony, Jazmyn, Madison, and Mia. His son, Anthony, followed in his father’s footsteps, playing football for the Pittsburgh Panthers and later playing defensive back in the NFL from 1996 to 2003. During his NFL career, Anthony appeared in Super Bowl XXXIV with the Tennessee Titans and Super Bowl XXXVII with the Oakland Raiders. Tony is also the uncle of three-time Super Bowl champion Ty Law.
