Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 21, 1993 TAG: 9310210226
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The team announced Wednesday that the NFL's No. 2 career rusher was retiring.
"I guess you could say it's unofficially official," Dickerson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a telephone interview from his home outside Los Angeles Wednesday night. "No, really, I know I'm not going to play again. I mean, that's obvious. It's still tough to say the word `retirement,' but I'm a realistic guy."
The Falcons filled Dickerson's spot on the roster by signing six-year cornerback Lemuel Stinson, who was released by the Chicago Bears at the start of the season.
Dickerson, who already was at his home in California, had 26 carries for 91 yards with the Falcons, who traded him to Green Bay for John Stephens last week. He failed a physical given by Packers doctors because of a neck problem and was returned to Atlanta.
"I'm a great believer that everything happens for a reason, and this [retirement] is something I've been thinking about anyway," Dickerson said. "My mother's been telling me for years to get out, so now she'll be happy. The thing with my neck . . . it was scary, and that was a sign that now was the time."
In 11 NFL seasons, Dickerson rushed for 13,259 yards, topped only by the 16,726 yards Walter Payton gained with the Chicago Bears.
Dickerson, 33, had 96 career touchdowns, none this season.
\ NO COURT ACTION: Houston Oilers tackle David Williams decided against filing a grievance over being docked a week's pay for missing a game to be with his wife and newborn son.
Bolstered by public support from Vice President Al Gore and besieged with invitations to appear on network news shows, Williams said he remained convinced he did the right thing in skipping last Sunday's game to be with his family and hoped the $111,111 paycheck could go to charity.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB