LA Rams’ rafters: Why are those jersey numbers retired?

RB Dickerson

The second running back whose number was retired was the jersey numbered 29, and that number belongs to RB Eric Dickerson, whose silky smooth yet powerful moves made him seem like you were watching a magnificent thoroughbred horse in action. In his 11 seasons, he was honored with  5 All-Pro selections and  6 Pro Bowls.

In the forward to his book, “Eric Dickerson’s Secrets of Pro Power,” Indianapolis Colts coach Ron Meyer summed up Dickerson’s running: “He has the power to run right over would-be tacklers, the moves to leave them flat-footed, and the speed to run away from them. He’s like a lion on the prowl with a football, hunting for the end zone, or like a thoroughbred in shoulder pads, sprinting down the home stretch. Give him a step and he’ll take 6 points.”

Like a thoroughbred in shoulder pads. (Just worth repeating)

Drafted by the Rams in 1983 out of Southern Methodist University, he was the second player selected behind fellow future Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. While Dickerson was at SMU, he and running mate Craig James were dubbed “The Pony Express.”

Dickerson was also well-known for his signature prescription goggles, which he wore on the field to correct poor vision. (Those same eyeballs never stopped him from seeing which holes to hit or creases to run through.)

And talk about immediate rookie impact! Dickerson established rookie records for most rushing attempts with 39, most rushing yards gained with 1,808,  and most rushing touchdowns with18. His efforts earned him All-Pro, Pro Bowl, Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year honors. What a debut!

In fact, in his Hall of Fame enshrinement speech, Dickerson commented on his rookie year by saying,

"“I think the one (the record) I look at most and means the most to me is my rookie rushing record. You get one shot at that. You don’t get several. You don’t get 10. You get one.” Eric Dickerson NFL Hall of Fame acceptance speech"

He certainly made the most of that rookie season.