Dustin Keller facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Dustin Keller

Keller with the New York Jets in 2011
No. 81
Position:	Tight end
Personal information
Born:	(1984-09-25) September 25, 1984 (age 40) Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	255 lb (116 kg)
Career information
High school:	Lafayette (IN) Jefferson
College:	Purdue (2003–2007)
NFL Draft:	2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 30
Career history
New York Jets (2008–2012) Miami Dolphins (2013)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-Big Ten (2007)
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 241 Receiving yards: 2,876 Receiving touchdowns: 17
Player stats at PFR

Dustin Kendall Keller (born September 25, 1984) is an American former professional football player. He played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). The New York Jets picked him in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft. He also played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers.

Keller later played for the Miami Dolphins.

Early Life and College Years

Dustin grew up in Lafayette, Indiana. He went to Jefferson High School. Dustin was amazing at three different sports there. He played football, basketball, and ran track.

In his senior year of high school, Dustin was the best wide receiver in the state for football. He caught 114 passes in 2002. He was also one of the best small forwards in basketball. In track, he won the state championship for high jump. He was even a finalist for the "Mr. Football" award. This award goes to the top football player in the state.

Dustin was planning to go to the University of Toledo. But then, Purdue University's coach, Joe Tiller, called him. Purdue was Dustin's hometown school. Coach Tiller offered him the last scholarship spot. Dustin chose Purdue over Toledo.

At Purdue, Dustin took a "redshirt" year as a freshman. This meant he practiced with the team but didn't play in games. It helped him learn and get stronger. He also switched from wide receiver to tight end.

In his second year, Dustin started to show his talent. He scored two touchdowns, including one that won the game against a strong team, Ohio State. He became a full-time starter in his third year. Dustin got better every season. In his senior year, his teammates voted him Purdue's Most Valuable Player. He was also named the Most Valuable Offensive Player in the Motor City Bowl.

Professional Football Career

Getting Ready for the NFL

Dustin really impressed everyone at the 2008 NFL Combine. This is where college players show off their skills for NFL teams. He finished first in four out of seven events. He was second in two others. This great performance made NFL teams want to pick him earlier in the draft.

New York Jets

The New York Jets picked Dustin Keller in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft. He was the 30th player chosen overall. On July 18, 2008, he signed a 5-year contract with the Jets.

Dustin slowly started playing more and more for the team. He learned from the experienced quarterback, Brett Favre. In his first year, he had a strong season. He caught 48 passes for 535 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.

In 2009, his second season, Dustin caught 45 passes for 522 yards and 2 touchdowns.

He led the Jets in catches in 2010 with 55 receptions. In 2011, he again led the team in catches with 65. He gained 815 yards and scored 5 touchdowns that year.

Dustin played in every game and practice for his first four years. But in 2012, he had some injuries. A pulled groin and an ankle sprain made it harder for him to play his best. He played in only 8 games that season. He had 28 catches for 317 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Miami Dolphins

Dustin signed with the Miami Dolphins on March 15, 2013. Sadly, on August 17, 2013, he suffered a very serious knee injury. This happened during a preseason game against the Texans. The injury meant he could no longer play professional football. On August 20, 2013, the Dolphins placed him on injured reserve. This meant he could not play for the rest of the season.

Career Statistics