Derrick Dockery facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Derrick Dockery

Dockery with the Redskins in 2006
No. 66, 75, 76
Position:	Guard
Personal information
Born:	(1980-09-07) September 7, 1980 (age 44) Garland, Texas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:	325 lb (147 kg)
Career information
High school:	Garland (TX) Lakeview Centennial
College:	Texas
NFL Draft:	2003 / Round: 3 / Pick: 81
Career history
Washington Redskins (2003−2006) Buffalo Bills (2007−2008) Washington Redskins (2009−2010) Dallas Cowboys (2011−2012)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-Big 12 (2002) Consensus All-American (2002)
Career NFL statistics
Games played: 141 Games started: 115 Fumble recoveries: 4
Player stats at PFR

Derrick Dewayne Dockery (born September 7, 1980) is an American former professional football player. He played as an offensive guard in the National Football League (NFL). He played for teams like the Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Cowboys. Before joining the NFL, he played college football at the University of Texas.

Early Life and High School Football

Derrick Dockery was born in Dallas County, Texas. He grew up in Garland, Texas, and went to Lakeview Centennial High School. There, he played football for the Lakeview Patriots.

In his senior year (1998), he was recognized as one of the best offensive linemen in the country. USA Today named him a second-team All-USA player. He was also a top player in Texas, earning all-state honors. He was chosen as a first-team all-district player twice.

College Football Career

Dockery earned a football scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin. He played for the Texas Longhorns football team from 1999 to 2002.

As a freshman in 1999, he was a backup offensive guard. However, he played in every game, including the Cotton Bowl Classic. He helped the team on both offense and special teams.

In 2000, he became a starter. He played in all 12 games as a guard, including the Holiday Bowl. His strong play helped the Longhorns score many points, averaging 38.6 points per game.

During his junior year in 2001, he played in all 13 games. He started nine games at different guard positions. He also played some tackle. His efforts helped the Longhorns lead the Big 12 Conference in scoring.

By his senior year in 2002, Dockery was a key player. He started all 13 games, playing both guard and tackle. He was so good that he didn't allow any sacks that season. He was named a first-team All-Big 12 player. He was also chosen as a consensus first-team All-American. This means he was recognized as one of the best college players in the nation. He shared the Longhorns' award for Outstanding Offensive Lineman.

During his college career, the Texas Longhorns had a great record of 40 wins and 12 losses. They had two seasons with 11 wins and 2 losses. Derrick played in 52 games in a row, starting 31 of them.

In 2018, Derrick Dockery was honored by being inducted into the University of Texas Hall of Honor.

Professional Football Career

Washington Redskins (First Time)

The Washington Redskins picked Derrick Dockery in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft. This meant he was the 81st player chosen overall.

As a rookie in 2003, he started as a backup player. He could play several positions on the offensive line. In Week 4, he got his first NFL start at left guard against the New England Patriots. He then started the rest of the season's games.

In 2004, he started all 16 games at left guard for the Redskins. He and left tackle Chris Samuels formed a strong partnership. He started 29 games in a row at left guard.

Buffalo Bills

In 2007, the Buffalo Bills signed Dockery to a big contract. He became a starter at left guard for two years, playing in 32 games. He was part of a very large offensive line for the Bills. He was released by the Bills in 2009.

Washington Redskins (Second Time)

Derrick Dockery returned to the Redskins in 2009. He signed a new contract with them. He started all 16 games at left guard that season.

In 2010, his streak of 116 straight games played came to an end. He was unable to play in Week 5. He had some trouble adapting to the new coach's playing style. He also injured his left knee. He was released by the Redskins in 2011.

Dallas Cowboys

In 2011, the Dallas Cowboys signed Dockery. He started in his second game with the team. However, he got injured during that game. He later returned to play as a backup guard for the rest of the season. In 2012, he was signed again to be a backup guard. He was not re-signed after that season.

Derrick Dockery finished his NFL career having played in 141 games. He started 115 of those games. He had an amazing streak of 109 consecutive starts from 2003 to 2010. He also played in 116 consecutive games at one point.

Personal Life

After retiring from professional football, Derrick Dockery went back to school. He and his wife, Emma, both earned their Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from George Washington University.

Derrick has worked for several important people in the U.S. Congress. He helped leaders like Jason Chaffetz and Paul Ryan. In 2016, Speaker Paul Ryan hired Dockery. His job was to help build connections with state and local governments and businesses.

Derrick is married to Emma, and they have three children. Famous ESPN sportscaster Chris Berman gave Derrick one of his fun nicknames: Derrick "Hickory Dickory" Dockery. His brother, Cedric, also played college football for the University of Texas.