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:	Jefferson (Lafayette, Indiana)
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 a former American football player. He played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Dustin was chosen by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft. He also played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers. Later, he was a member of the Miami Dolphins.

Early Life and High School Success

Dustin Keller grew up in Lafayette, Indiana. He played high school football at Jefferson High School. Dustin was a talented athlete in three sports: football, basketball, and track.

In his senior year of high school, Dustin was the best wide receiver in Indiana. He caught 114 passes in 2002. He was also a top basketball player and a state champion in the high jump. He jumped 6 feet 9 inches! Dustin set new state records for receptions and receiving yards in football. He was even a finalist for the "Mr. Football" award.

College Career at Purdue

Dustin first planned to go to the University of Toledo. However, the coach from Purdue University, Joe Tiller, offered him a scholarship. Since Purdue was his hometown school, Dustin chose to play there.

During his first year at Purdue, Dustin "red-shirted." This means he practiced with the team but did not play in games. This gave him time to get stronger and learn the game. He also switched from wide receiver to tight end.

In his second year, Dustin started to show his skills. He scored two touchdowns, including a game-winning one against Ohio State. He became the full-time starting tight end. Dustin's performance improved every year. In his senior season, his teammates voted him Purdue's Most Valuable Player.

Professional Football Journey

Getting Ready for the NFL Draft

Before the NFL Draft, Dustin Keller showed off his amazing athletic skills at the 2008 NFL Combine. This is where college players perform drills for NFL teams. Dustin finished first in four out of seven events. He also placed second in two others. This great performance helped him get noticed by NFL teams. It significantly improved his chances of being drafted early.

Playing for the 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. In July 2008, he signed a contract with the Jets.

Dustin slowly became an important part of the Jets' offense. He played alongside famous quarterback Brett Favre. In his first year, he had 48 catches for 535 yards and 3 touchdowns.

In 2009, his second season, Dustin had 45 catches for 522 yards and 2 touchdowns. He continued to be a key player for the Jets. In 2010, he led the team with 55 catches. The next year, in 2011, he again led the Jets in catches with 65. He also gained 815 yards and scored 5 touchdowns.

Dustin was very durable, playing every game and practice for his first four years. However, in 2012, he had some injuries. A pulled groin and an ankle sprain limited him to only 8 games. He had 28 catches for 317 yards and 2 touchdowns that season.

Time with the Miami Dolphins

Dustin Keller signed with the Miami Dolphins on March 15, 2013. Sadly, his career ended during a preseason game on August 17, 2013. He suffered a severe knee injury. This injury included tears to multiple ligaments in his knee. The Dolphins placed him on injured reserve a few days later.

Career Statistics

Dustin Keller had a strong career in the NFL before his injury. Here are his professional statistics: