Dan Dierdorf
Inducted:
1996
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
275 lb (125 kg)
Born:
June 29, 1949
Canton, Ohio, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
College:
Michigan (1968–1970)
Dan Dierdorf was a dominant force on the offensive line and a cornerstone of the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1970s. Known for his intelligence, power, and consistency, Dierdorf was one of the league’s most respected linemen. He played 13 seasons, mostly at right tackle, where he earned a reputation for being nearly impossible to beat in pass protection.
In 1976, he anchored a Cardinals offensive line that allowed just 8 sacks in 14 games — a record at the time. Dierdorf was a six-time Pro Bowler and earned All-Pro honors five times. He was named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. After retiring, he became a popular broadcaster, bringing his football IQ to millions of fans. Dierdorf’s legacy lives on as one of the game’s most technically sound and reliable linemen.
Dierdorf's Awards and Honors
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1975–1978, 1980)
- Second-team All-Pro (1974)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1974–1978, 1980)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
- Consensus All-America (1970)
- Second-team All-America (1969)
- 2× First-team All-Big Ten (1969, 1970)
- Second-team All-Big Ten (1968)
NFL Records
- Named NFLPA Offensive Lineman of the Year three straight times (1976, 1977, 1978)
- Selected to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- First-Team All-Pro at both Tackle and Center
- Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1996
NFL Teams
St. Louis Cardinals (1971–1983)
NFL Draft:
1971: 2nd round, 43rd pick
St. Louis Cardinals
Number Worn:
72
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1971–1983)
Games Played:
160
Games Started:
150+
Fumble Recoveries:
7
