TTM Stats
- Sent: 7/6/2022 | Received: 7/25/2022 | 19 Days
- ’82 Topps
- Address: Business (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Doug English’s journey from a high school standout in Dallas to an NFL powerhouse and dedicated philanthropist exemplifies the profound impact an athlete can have both on and off the field.
Born on August 25, 1953, in Dallas, Texas, English began his football career at Bryan Adams High School, where a late growth spurt and impressive senior-year performance earned him a scholarship to the University of Texas. At Texas, under the guidance of Coach Darrell Royal, English became a dominant defensive tackle, contributing to three consecutive Southwest Conference titles from 1972 to 1974. His senior year was particularly noteworthy; he earned All-America honors, was named the team’s Most Valuable Player, and received both the George “Hook” McCullough Outstanding Football Player Award and the D. Harold Byrd Leadership Award.
Selected in the second round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, English quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s defense. He became a key figure in the “Silver Rush” defensive line, known for its relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Over his 10-season career (1975–1985), English played in 131 games, recorded 55.5 sacks, and tied the NFL record with four career safeties . His accolades include four Pro Bowl selections (1978, 1981–1983) and multiple All-Pro honors.
After the 1979 season, plagued by injuries and disillusioned by the team’s struggles, English took an 18-month hiatus from football. During this time, he reflected on the broader impact he could have beyond the game. Realizing the platform football provided him to influence and inspire, he returned to the Lions in 1981 with renewed purpose, earning All-Pro honors and leading the team to an NFC Central Division title in 1983.
Following his retirement in 1985 due to a neck injury, English transitioned into the business world, co-founding Pro Line Warehouse and Distribution, a logistics company specializing in high-tech components.
Beyond business, English dedicated himself to philanthropy. He founded the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation, serving as its president, to support research and rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries. Under his leadership, the foundation has raised significant funds for research and has supported adaptive sports programs.
English also developed PowerDrive Training Products, a line of strength and conditioning equipment designed to enhance athletic performance, drawing inspiration from his own training experiences.
Doug English’s contributions to football have been recognized with numerous honors. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2014, and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 . In 2019, he was also inducted into the Dallas ISD Athletic Hall of Fame.
Today, English resides in Austin, Texas. He remains active in the community, participating in speaking engagements and mentoring young athletes, continuing to inspire others with his story of perseverance, leadership, and service.
The Score on Doug English – 7.0
This personalized return from Doug is great. That blue marker goes pretty well with all the blue on the card and really pops. I definitely need to find some more cards of Doug’s and try him again. I have a feeling he’ll be one of those guys that I only ever come across one card at a time.
Thanks Mr. English! I’m giving this return a 7.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Pro Football Reference.