Anthony Dixon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Anthony Dixon

Dixon with the San Francisco 49ers in 2012
No. 24, 26
Position:	Running back
Personal information
Born:	(1987-09-24) September 24, 1987 (age 38) Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	233 lb (106 kg)
Career information
High school:	Terry (MS)
College:	Mississippi State (2006–2009)
NFL Draft:	2010 / Round: 6 / Pick: 173
Career history
San Francisco 49ers (2010–2013) Buffalo Bills (2014–2015)
Career highlights and awards
Cellular South Conerly Trophy (2009) First-team All-SEC (2009)
Career NFL statistics
Rushing attempts: 274 Rushing yards: 934 Receptions: 23 Receiving yards: 140 Total touchdowns: 11
Player stats at PFR

Anthony Rishard "Boobie" Dixon, born on September 24, 1987, is a former American professional football player. He was a running back, a player who carries the ball. The San Francisco 49ers picked him in the 2010 NFL draft. Before that, he played college football at Mississippi State University, where he set many rushing records.

Early Life and High School Football

Anthony Dixon grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. He played football at Terry High School. In his senior year, 2005, he had an amazing season. He ran for 2,683 yards and scored 31 touchdowns. This helped his team achieve an 11–2 record.

Dixon was named the best player in the Jackson area by The Clarion-Ledger newspaper. He was also chosen as a first-team All-State player. Experts considered him one of the top high school football players in the state.

He was a highly sought-after player by colleges. Rivals.com ranked him as one of the best running back prospects in the country. Dixon decided to play college football at Mississippi State. He chose them over other big schools like the University of Alabama and Louisiana State University.

College Football Career

Anthony Dixon, nicknamed "Boobie" by his teammates, had a fantastic college career at Mississippi State. His nickname came from a character in the movie Friday Night Lights.

Freshman Year Success

In his first year, 2006, Dixon played in all 12 games. He started five of them. He set new records for a freshman at Mississippi State. These records included the most rushing attempts, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns. His nine touchdowns were the most by a Bulldog player since 2000.

Sophomore Season Milestones

As a sophomore in 2007, Dixon played in all 13 games and started 12. He became one of only a few players in school history to run for over 1,000 yards in a single season. He was the first sophomore to achieve this milestone. Dixon also scored the winning touchdown for Mississippi State in the 2007 Liberty Bowl game.

Junior and Senior Year Records

During his junior season in 2008, Dixon continued to play well. He rushed for 869 yards. In his senior year, 2009, he truly shined. He ran for 1,391 yards, setting a new single-season rushing record for Mississippi State.

Dixon also became one of only seven players in Southeastern Conference history to lead his team in rushing for four straight years. By the end of his college career, he had accumulated 3,994 rushing yards. This made him one of the most successful running backs in Mississippi State history.

College Statistics Overview

Besides his rushing yards, Dixon also caught 56 passes for 449 receiving yards. He scored 4 receiving touchdowns during his four years at Mississippi State.

Professional Football Career

Anthony Dixon was seen as one of the best "power backs" available in the 2010 NFL draft. Many thought he would be picked in the third or fourth round. However, the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the sixth round as the 173rd overall pick.

Playing for the San Francisco 49ers

After another player retired, Dixon competed for a key running back spot with the 49ers. In the preseason, he performed very well. He led the entire NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns during those exhibition games. On September 20, 2010, Dixon scored his first NFL touchdown against the New Orleans Saints.

Dixon played in all 72 games of his NFL career. He often played on special teams, which are units used for kicking plays. At the end of the 2012 season, Dixon and the 49ers reached Super Bowl XLVII. He contributed on special teams, but the 49ers lost a close game to the Baltimore Ravens. His only start for the 49ers was in the 2013 NFC Championship game. He scored a touchdown in that game, which was also his last game with the team. He finished his time with the 49ers with 458 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

Time with the Buffalo Bills

On March 15, 2014, Dixon signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. This was his most successful year in the NFL. He had career highs in rushing attempts (105) and rushing yards (432). He also caught eight passes for 49 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns.

In 2015, Dixon's production decreased. He scored one rushing touchdown and had 44 rushing yards. On March 1, 2016, the Bills released him.

Playing in The Spring League

After not playing football in 2016, Dixon joined The Spring League. This is a program for players to train and develop. He played in front of scouts from the NFL and the Canadian Football League. Dixon was one of the well-known players in the league.

In a game in Napa, California, Dixon played as a fullback. He had a 49-yard touchdown run on his first carry. Later in the game, he caught a 4-yard touchdown pass. These two plays were the first and last scores of the game. Dixon finished with 55 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards, scoring two touchdowns.

Personal Life

Anthony Dixon is a Christian. He often shares his faith on social media, describing himself as a "God Fearing Man."

Anthony has three younger brothers: Antwon, Rashun, and Deshun. Both Antwon and Rashun were expected to play football at Mississippi State. However, Antwon went to another college. Rashun was drafted by the Oakland As in the 2008 Major League Baseball draft and chose to play professional baseball. Deshun was also drafted in the MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010.

Images for kids

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  Dixon with the San Francisco 49ers in 2012