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Drew Pearson (American football) facts for kids

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Drew Pearson
refer to caption
Pearson in 2012
No. 88
Position: Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (1951-01-12) January 12, 1951 (age 74)
South River, New Jersey, U.S.
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight: 184 lb (83 kg)
Career information
High school: South River
College: Tulsa
Undrafted: 1973
Career history
As player:
As coach:
  • Dallas Cowboys (1985)
    Wide receivers coach
  • Dallas Texans (1991)
    Head coach
As executive:
  • NY/NJ Hitmen (2001)
    VP & General Manager
  • Allen Wranglers (2011–2012)
    General Manager
Career highlights and awards
  • Super Bowl champion (XII)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (1974, 1976, 1977)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (1974, 1976, 1977)
  • NFL receiving yards leader (1977)
  • NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 489
Receiving yards: 7,822
Receiving touchdowns: 48
Player stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Drew Pearson (born January 12, 1951) is a famous American former football player. He was a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Tulsa. In 2021, he was chosen to be part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Early Life and College Football

Drew Pearson grew up in South River, New Jersey. He started his football journey at South River High School. He played as a wide receiver and later became the starting quarterback. Besides football, he also played baseball and basketball. He graduated in 1969.

He earned a football scholarship to the University of Tulsa. In 1971, he changed from quarterback to wide receiver. He quickly became a key player for his team. He led the team in receiving touchdowns that year. By his senior year in 1972, he was a top receiver. He finished his college career with over 1,100 receiving yards.

In 1985, Drew was honored by being added to the Tulsa Athletics Hall of Fame.

Professional Football Career

Drew Pearson ATT Stadium
Drew Pearson's name as a member of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor at AT&T Stadium.

In 1973, Drew Pearson joined the Dallas Cowboys. He was signed as an undrafted free agent, meaning no team picked him in the NFL draft. He made the team because of his strong play on special teams. Soon, he became a starting wide receiver.

From 1974 to 1978, he was the Cowboys' main receiver. In 1979, he and teammate Tony Hill both gained over 1,000 receiving yards. This was a first for the Cowboys. They were also the first NFL team to have two 1,000-yard receivers and a 1,000-yard running back (Tony Dorsett) in the same year.

Drew Pearson was known for making important catches. Fans called him "Mr. Clutch." One of his most famous plays was the "Hail Mary" in a 1975 playoff game. He caught a long pass from quarterback Roger Staubach to win the game. He also made game-winning catches in other big games. In 1982, he helped Tony Dorsett score a 99-yard touchdown, the longest run in NFL history at the time.

Drew helped the Cowboys reach three Super Bowls. They won Super Bowl XII in 1978. He also scored a touchdown in Super Bowl X.

His career ended in 1984 due to a serious car accident. He finished his career with 489 catches and 7,822 receiving yards. He also scored 50 touchdowns.

Awards and Honors

Drew Pearson was one of the best wide receivers of his time. He was named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. This team includes the top players from the 1970s. He was also named All-Pro three times (1974, 1976, 1977). He played in the Pro Bowl three times as well.

In 2011, the Cowboys honored him by adding his name to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor. This is a special award for legendary Cowboys players.

Drew Pearson HOF Bust
Pearson's Hall of Fame bust

After many years, Drew Pearson was finally chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2021. This is one of the highest honors a football player can receive.

NFL Career Statistics

Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular Season

Year Team Games Receiving
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1973 DAL 14 6 22 388 17.6 40 2
1974 DAL 14 14 62 1,087 17.5 50 2
1975 DAL 14 14 46 822 17.9 46 8
1976 DAL 14 14 58 806 13.9 40 6
1977 DAL 14 14 48 870 18.1 67 2
1978 DAL 16 16 44 714 16.2 53 3
1979 DAL 15 14 55 1,026 18.7 56 8
1980 DAL 16 15 43 568 13.2 30 6
1981 DAL 16 15 38 614 16.2 42 3
1982 DAL 9 8 26 382 14.7 48 3
1983 DAL 14 13 47 545 11.6 32 5
156 143 489 7,822 16.0 67 48

Playoffs

Year Team Games Receiving
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1973 DAL 2 2 4 111 27.8 83 2
1975 DAL 3 3 11 196 17.8 50 2
1976 DAL 1 1 3 38 12.7 22 0
1977 DAL 3 3 7 113 16.1 31 0
1978 DAL 3 3 10 167 16.7 39 0
1979 DAL 1 1 3 61 20.3 29 0
1980 DAL 3 3 11 165 15.0 23 3
1981 DAL 2 1 3 52 17.3 31 0
1982 DAL 3 3 13 153 11.8 35 1
1983 DAL 1 1 2 49 24.5 30 0
22 21 67 1,105 16.5 83 8

After Football

On April 28, 2017, Drew Pearson was chosen to announce a pick at the 2017 NFL draft in Philadelphia. Even though many fans of the Philadelphia Eagles (a rival team) booed him, he proudly announced the Cowboys' pick.

Personal Life

Drew Pearson is married to Marsha. Her father is Marques Haynes, a famous star from the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team.

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