Drew Pearson (football player)
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| Drew Pearson | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | January 12, 1951 (age 56) |
| Place of birth |  South River, New Jersey |
| Position(s) | Wide receiver |
| College | Tulsa |
| Career Highlights | |
| Pro Bowls | 1977, 1976, 1974 |
| Honors | NFL 1970s All-Decade Team |
| Stats | |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 1973-1983 | Dallas Cowboys |
Drew Pearson (born January 12, 1951 in South River, New Jersey) is a sportscaster and former American football player for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.
Contents |
[edit] Early football years
Pearson began his football career at South River High School where he succeeded Joe Theismann as quarterback. He attended the University of Tulsa where he caught 33 passes as a flanker for a run-oriented team. There he received the university's President's Award as the team's "best spirited and most unselfish" member. Pearson graduated from Tulsa in 1972.
[edit] His NFL career
In 1973, Pearson was selected as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys, where he rose to become one of the NFL’s greatest wide receivers, earning career records of 489 receptions and 7,822 receiving yards, along with 189 rushing yards, 155 yards returning kickoffs, and 50 touchdowns (48 receiving and 2 fumble recoveries). Named one of the Top 20 Pro Football All-Time Wide Receivers, he was also recognized for his achievements by being named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team.
Pearson was named All-Pro 3 times (1974, 1976-77) All-NFC in 1975 and 2nd Team All-NFC in 1978. In addition, Pearson was a Pro Bowler in 1974, 1976 and 1977. Pearson led the National Football Conference (NFC) in pass receptions in 1976 with 58. He served as offensive captain for the Cowboys in 1977, 1978, 1982 and 1983.
Pearson helped the Cowboys to three Super Bowl appearances and a victory in Super Bowl XII in 1978. He also scored a touchdown in Super Bowl X.
In 1980, the Cowboys selected Pearson as their nominee for NFL Man of the Year. Pearson is known around the NFL as “Mr. Clutch” for his numerous clutch catches in game-winning situations, especially the "Hail Mary" reception from Roger Staubach that sealed the victory in a 1975 playoff game, one of the most famous plays in NFL history.
[edit] After the NFL
Since his retirement in 1983, Pearson has worked extensively as a sports broadcaster for such networks as CBS and HBO; he previously hosted the Dallas Cowboys post-game show.
He is also the CEO of Drew Pearson Companies, a manufacturer of licensed headwear since 1985.
Drew Pearson is represented by PPI Marketing for speaking engagements and appearances. Pearson currently lives in Plano,Texas.
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Tommy Casanova Jack Ford David Joyner Edward B. Rust Jr. James Tedisco Herb Washington |
Silver Anniversary Awards (NCAA) Class of 1998 Gary Hall, Sr. Lawrie Mifflin Drew Pearson Cynthia Potter Sally Ride Harry Smith |
Succeeded by Dave Casper Anita DeFrantz Pat Summitt Lynn Swann Robert R. Thomas Bill Walton |
| National Football League | NFL's 1970s All-Decade Team |
|---|
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Terry Bradshaw | Ken Stabler | Roger Staubach | Earl Campbell | Franco Harris | Walter Payton | O.J. Simpson | Harold Carmichael | |
