Dwight Stephenson facts for kids

Dwight Eugene Stephenson, born on November 20, 1957, is a famous American football player. He played as a center for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL) from 1980 to 1987. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Dwight Stephenson was recognized for his amazing career when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Dwight Stephenson's Early Life and College Football

Dwight Stephenson was born in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. He started his football journey playing in college. He attended the University of Alabama. There, he played under the famous coach Bear Bryant. Coach Bryant thought Stephenson was the best center he had ever coached. He even said Stephenson was "a man among children" because of how good he was.

Stephenson was the main center for the Crimson Tide from 1977 to 1979. He was part of the Alabama teams that won two national championships in a row. These victories happened in 1978 and 1979. He was also named a second-team All-American twice. This honor came in 1978 and again in 1979. People who played with him remembered his incredible speed. Mike Brock, a former Alabama lineman, said Stephenson's "speed, his foot quickness, was off the chart."

Dwight Stephenson's Professional Football Career

Hall of Famers Larry Little and Stephenson, on the Honor Roll, with Bob Kuechenberg and Richmond Webb.

The Miami Dolphins picked Dwight Stephenson in the second round of the 1980 NFL draft. This was a big step in his career. He was drafted by the well-known coach Don Shula. At first, Stephenson played mostly on special teams. But late in the 1981 season, the starting center got injured. This gave Stephenson his chance to shine. After a few seasons, he became known as the best center in the NFL.

Stephenson was the leader of the Dolphins' offensive line. This group was incredibly strong. They allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL for six seasons in a row. This was a record that lasted from 1982 to 1987. It was twice as long as the previous record. Sadly, Stephenson had to retire from professional football in 1987. He suffered a serious left knee injury during a game. The injury happened in a play involving players from the New York Jets.

Awards and Achievements in the NFL

Dwight Stephenson earned many awards during his career. He was chosen as an All-Pro player five times in a row. This happened every year from 1983 to 1987. He also played in five Pro Bowl games during the same years. The NFLPA named him the AFC Offensive Lineman of the Year five times. This was also from 1983 to 1987. He was also named the Seagram's Seven Crowns of Sports Offensive Lineman of the Year three times.

Stephenson played as the starting center in three AFC Championship Games. These were in 1982, 1984, and 1985. He was also the starting center in the Dolphins' last two Super Bowl appearances. These were Super Bowl XVII and Super Bowl XIX. In 1985, Stephenson received a very special award. He won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award is given for excellent community service and great playing skills.

Honors and Life After Football

Stephenson's bronze bust at the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Dwight Stephenson received many honors even after his playing career ended. On December 12, 1994, his name was added to the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll. This is a special recognition for great players.

Even though his career was not very long, he was highly respected. In 1999, The Sporting News ranked him as number 84 on their list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. Also in 1999, he was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. In 2011, he was inducted into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame. These honors recognized his important contributions to sports in southeastern Virginia.

In 1998, Dwight Stephenson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is one of the highest honors for a football player. When he was inducted, he shared his motivation. He said, "I know I’m not going to make every block, but I don’t like to ever get beat. That’s what keeps me motivated. There’s always the next play to get ready for.”

In 2005, Stephenson was named the Walter Camp Man of the Year. This award celebrates his character and achievements. There is also an award named after him. Pro Football Focus gives out the Dwight Stephenson Award every year. It honors the best player in the NFL, no matter what position they play.

After retiring from football, Dwight Stephenson started a new career. As of 2013, he worked as a construction manager. He was also a general contractor in Florida. He continues to be a strong supporter of the University of Alabama's football team.