Dorin Dickerson
An extraordinary athletic specimen whose rare combination of size and speed made him a versatile 'tweener' on NFL rosters for nearly a decade.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: March 31·Millennials
Biography
Dorin Dickerson's football career was a testament to raw athleticism and the constant search for the right positional fit. At the University of Pittsburgh, he was a human chess piece, moving from wide receiver to tight end to H-back, showcasing the blend of size and speed that made scouts drool. His performance at the 2010 NFL Combine was legendary—a 6'1", 226-pound frame that ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash and posted a 43.5-inch vertical leap. Drafted by the Houston Texans, he embarked on a seven-year NFL journey that saw him bounce across eight teams, including the Steelers, Patriots, and Bills. Coaches were perpetually tantalized by his physical tools, trying to slot him as a move tight end, fullback, or special teams ace. While he never locked down a permanent starting role, his longevity speaks to the value of a supreme athlete who could fill multiple gaps on a roster, always just one play away from unleashing his explosive potential.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dorin was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dorin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Dorin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set a Pittsburgh Panthers record for tight ends with 49 receptions in a single season (2009).
- Delivered a historic performance at the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine, with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at 226 pounds.
- Played in 49 regular-season NFL games across seven seasons with eight different franchises.
- Caught his first and only NFL touchdown pass from Tom Brady while with the New England Patriots in 2013.
Did You Know?
In high school, he was a two-sport star, also playing basketball.
He was a first-team All-State selection in football in Pennsylvania, a state known for producing top talent.
After football, he transitioned into sports media and radio hosting in Pittsburgh.
His cousin, Dan Marino, is a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback.
“My versatility was my ticket, but it also meant I never had a true home.”
