Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett has faced numerous challenges in life while continually prioritizing his family and community.
Even those who are not avid followers of professional football are likely familiar with Tony Dorsett’s remarkable journey. Growing up in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh, he set multiple NCAA football records during his time at the University of Pittsburgh. Selected as the second overall pick in the NFL draft of 1977, he went on to become an iconic figure with the Dallas Cowboys. Dorsett is one of only two players to have claimed the Heisman Trophy, a Super Bowl title, a College National Championship, and a place in both the College Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Nonetheless, it is his endeavors beyond the football field that have earned him our VIP Award.
Balancing family commitments with his professional life has been a priority for Dorsett. His son, Anthony, has followed his father’s footsteps by playing safety at the University of Pittsburgh and enjoying an eight-season NFL career. His eldest daughter Jazmyn plays basketball at Oklahoma State University, while his younger daughters, Madison, 15, and Mia, 10, keep him active and engaged. Dorsett has always placed significant emphasis on volunteer efforts, including hosting the Tony Dorsett Memorial Celebrity Golf Classic to benefit the McGuire Memorial Home in New Brighton, PA. Whether as a spokesperson for various non-profit initiatives or in his advocacy for health issues facing former athletes, he exemplifies personal integrity and ardent service.
In 2013, Dorsett revealed that he had been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurological disorder prevalent among former athletes. Although the full extent of his condition is yet to be understood, he has noted memory loss among his significant symptoms. Since going public with his diagnosis, Dorsett has candidly discussed his experiences and prognosis, shining a light on the disease and advocating for research aimed at treatment and a potential cure. Good Family Life Magazine is proud to present the inaugural VIP Award to Tony Dorsett for his commitment to the community and the exemplary role he plays as a father and mentor.
“Choosing Tony for this award was one of the simplest decisions I’ve ever made. He often says, ‘to succeed you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you,’ which perfectly encapsulates who he is. He’s confronting CTE with the same relentless spirit that saw him rush ninety-nine yards for America’s Team. Tony’s dedication to his wife, Janet, his children, his community, his philanthropic work, and his fans demonstrates his legendary status as a leader and a source of inspiration. Plus, he truly has the best smile in the universe.” – Pidgeon, Editor-In-Chief, Rodrigosaffiliates
“Tony exemplifies professionalism in every sense. He was always ready to step up when it mattered most. He maximized every ounce of talent God gifted him and would not back down. Traits like these describe football players, but in Tony’s case, they also serve as a framework for his life as a former star athlete, father, and now as he confronts physical challenges. If there were ‘Halls of Fame’ for various life achievements, Tony would undoubtedly be enshrined in multiple categories.”
– Norm Hitzges, Show Host,
