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Doug English
Doug English
Doug English
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Lowell Douglas English (born August 25, 1953) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions from 1975 to 1985 of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns.

Key Information

Early life

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English was born in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Bryan Adams High School.

College career

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English attended the University of Texas, graduating in 1976 with a major in history. He helped the Texas Longhorns to three Southwest Conference titles. He was also a member of the Texas Cowboys. In 2011, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Professional career

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Along with defensive end Al "Bubba" Baker, English was a cornerstone of the Lions’ feared "Silver Rush" defensive line of the late 70's and early 80's. The 6-foot-5, 255 pound English was Detroit's second-round pick in 1975 out of the University of Texas. In 1979, after recording 122 tackles (90 solo) and 6.5 sacks, English was voted as the team's Defensive MVP. After a year off due to chronic injuries that were hampering his play, English rejoined the Lions prior to 1981 season.

English's best season came in 1983, when he recorded 13 sacks and two safeties, making him only one of 17 NFL players to record two safeties in a single season. That year, the Lions won the NFC Central Division title with a 9–7 mark, and lost to the San Francisco 49ers, 24–23, in the divisional round. Upon the arrival of new coach Darryl Rogers in 1985, English was moved to nose tackle in the team's new 3-4 defensive alignment. His career ended after that season due to a serious neck injury. He finished his career with 55.5 sacks, which places him ninth on the Lions’ all-time list. He was named First-team All-Pro in 1982 and Second-team three times (1981, 1983–84). He also went to four Pro Bowls (1979, 1982–84). English had 4 safeties throughout his career, tying him with Ted Hendricks, Jared Allen and Justin Houston for the most safeties in NFL history.

Later years

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English became co-owner with Louie Kelcher, a former college rival with the SMU Mustangs, in the warehousing firm Pro Line Warehouse and Distribution.[1][2]

He is also the President of the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
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Doug English

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from Grokipedia
Lowell Douglas English (born August 25, 1953) is an American former professional football player who played as a in the (NFL). English attended the University of , where he played for the Longhorns from 1972 to 1974 and earned All-American honors as a junior in 1974, along with All-Southwest Conference recognition. Selected by the in the third round (71st overall) of the 1975 NFL Draft, he enjoyed a ten-year professional career with the team from 1975 to 1985, appearing in 131 games and recording 55.5 sacks. During his tenure, English was selected to four Pro Bowls (1978, 1981–1983) and earned First-Team honors from the in 1981 and 1982. He was inducted into the in 2011 as the 16th Longhorn player to receive the honor and into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

Early life

High school career

Doug English attended in , , graduating in 1971 after enrolling in 1968. During his high school years, English emerged as a standout , lettering in both football and . He particularly excelled in football as a defensive lineman for the Bryan Adams Cougars, gaining recognition in his senior year of 1970 when he earned all-district honors as a two-way lineman. That same year, English received honorable mention All-American recognition from Coach & Athlete magazine for his performance on the gridiron. English's contributions helped bolster the Cougars' defensive efforts during the 1970 season, drawing attention from college scouts despite his relatively late physical development. This recruitment interest culminated in a scholarship offer from the University of , where defensive line coach identified his potential and secured his commitment.

Family background

Doug English was born on August 25, 1953, in , . He spent his formative years growing up in the Dallas area during the 1950s and 1960s, an era when had become a central element of local culture and community identity in , fostering widespread enthusiasm for the sport among youth. This environment provided early exposure to football that shaped his interests leading into high school. English graduated from in in 1971.

College career

University of Texas Longhorns

Doug English enrolled at the University of Texas in 1971 and played defensive tackle for the Longhorns football team from 1972 to 1974. During his college career, he averaged 10 tackles per game, establishing himself as a dominant force on the defensive line. English's contributions were instrumental in the team's defensive successes, including holding six of 11 opponents to 10 points or fewer during the 1972 season. English played a pivotal role in securing Southwest Conference titles for Texas in both 1972 and 1973, helping the Longhorns achieve three straight seasons ranked 17th or higher nationally. In the 1972 Red River Shootout against , he recorded 16 tackles in a hard-fought defensive effort despite a 27-0 loss. The Longhorns' defense, led by English, capped the 1972 season with a 17-13 victory over in the Cotton Bowl. As a junior in 1973 and senior in 1974, English earned All-Southwest Conference honors both seasons for his consistent performance. In 1974, he was recognized as a consensus First-Team All-American and the team's MVP after amassing 92 tackles, just three shy of the team lead, while helping to an 8-4 record and a second-place conference finish.

Academic and extracurricular involvement

During his time at the , Doug English pursued a degree in , graduating in 1976. This academic achievement came while he navigated the rigorous demands of being a Division I student-athlete, demonstrating his commitment to scholarly pursuits alongside his athletic commitments. English was actively involved in campus extracurriculars, notably as a member of the Texas Cowboys, an honorary student service organization founded in that recognizes outstanding undergraduate leaders for their contributions to the university community. His participation in this group highlighted his engagement beyond the football field, fostering service-oriented activities and traditions at UT Austin. Additionally, English exhibited strong leadership qualities, serving as team captain during his senior year in 1974 and receiving the D. Harold Byrd Leadership Award, an honor voted on by teammates and coaches for exemplary influence and dedication. These roles underscored his role as a respected figure among peers, blending with communal responsibilities.

Professional career

NFL draft and Detroit Lions years

English was selected by the in the second round, 38th overall, of the 1975 NFL Draft out of the University of Texas. As a , he quickly adapted to the professional level by focusing on technique and leverage, transitioning from his college role to anchoring the Lions' interior line in various defensive schemes. His cerebral approach allowed him to excel in both pass-rushing and run-stopping duties, contributing to a steady progression from a promising starter to a veteran leader over his career. English spent his entire 11-season NFL tenure (1975–1985, missing 1980 due to injury) with the Lions, appearing in 131 games primarily as a . He returned in 1981 to become a cornerstone of the Lions' renowned "Silver Rush" defensive line, which featured quick and disruptive players including end Al "Bubba" Baker. This unit terrorized opposing quarterbacks with aggressive fronts and coordinated blitzes, emphasizing speed and gap control to disrupt plays at the . English's role in the Silver Rush solidified his importance to the team's defensive identity during the early 1980s. A highlight of English's Lions years came in 1983, when his contributions helped the team secure the NFC Central Division title with a 9–7 record, their first division championship since 1957. The Lions finished the season strong at 5–2 in their final seven games, with English playing a key part in bolstering the defense against both the run and pass. His career ended prematurely after a neck injury in 1985 forced his retirement at age 32.

Key achievements and statistics

During his 11-season tenure with the from 1975 to 1985, Doug English established himself as one of the league's premier defensive tackles, amassing impressive career statistics that underscored his disruptive presence on the line. He appeared in 131 games, starting 115, while recording 55.5 sacks, 9 fumble recoveries, and 4 safeties. English's standout performance came in the 1983 season, when he led the Lions with a career-high 13 sacks and recorded both of his season's safeties, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. That year, his sack total ranked ninth in the , and his two safeties tied the single-season league record. His excellence earned him multiple accolades, including the Detroit Lions Defensive MVP award in 1979 after a season with 90 tackles and 6.5 sacks. English was selected to four Pro Bowls in , , , and 1983. He received first-team All-Pro honors in 1982 from the and second-team All-Pro recognition in , 1983, and 1984. English tied the NFL career record for safeties with 4, a mark shared with , , and .

Post-retirement life

Health challenges and recovery

During the with the , Doug English sustained a serious neck injury that abruptly ended his professional football career after 11 years. The injury involved damage to his , sustained during gameplay. Following the injury, English underwent neck in 1985 at in , a procedure supported by the Lions organization and the Ford family. At the time, the treatment was considered advanced and innovative, though it has since become more standard; the successfully addressed the damage without leading to sequential disk ruptures or long-term complications. English achieved a full physical recovery, with no residual pain and sustained neck health in the years following the procedure. He has reflected on the incident as relatively fortunate compared to more severe spinal cord cases, yet acknowledged the profound emotional and physical toll of receiving a career-ending diagnosis amid the high-stakes environment of professional sports. This experience underscored the vulnerabilities of athletes to such injuries and influenced his later commitment to supporting spinal cord research.

Philanthropy and business ventures

After retiring from the NFL, Doug English co-owned Pro Line Warehouse and Distribution, a logistics and warehousing firm specializing in high-tech components, primarily for Dell Computer Corporation. The company, established around 1996, was operated in partnership with former NFL All-Pro defensive lineman Louie Kelcher, English's college rival from Southern Methodist University. English founded the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation in 2000, serving as its president since inception, motivated by his own spinal cord injury sustained in 1985 and the experiences of paralysis advocate Kent Waldrep. The organization's mission focuses on curing spinal cord paralysis through funding research, recovery programs, and recreational opportunities for affected individuals. By 2011, the foundation had raised over $2.4 million to support paralysis research and rehabilitation efforts. Key initiatives include therapy scholarships, with the foundation awarding 99 scholarships totaling more than $620,000 since 2019 to provide physical and at partner facilities in Austin, such as Spero Rehab. Spero Rehab, located at 4225 Guadalupe Street, offers specialized neurological rehabilitation services, including and adaptive sports programs, in collaboration with the foundation to enhance and community integration for those with injuries. Annual events, such as the Lone Star Classic Golf Tournament, Gala, and Comedy Show, have generated over $1.2 million since 2022 to sustain these efforts. The foundation typically raises $300,000 to $400,000 each year dedicated to research and recovery initiatives.

Legacy

Awards and honors

Doug English has received numerous honors recognizing his contributions to football at the high school, college, and professional levels. His accolades highlight his dominance as a defensive lineman, beginning with his induction into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 1997 for his standout performance as a two-way lineman at in , where he earned honorable mention All-American honors. At the collegiate level, English was inducted into the University of Texas Hall of Honor in 1986, acknowledging his role in leading the Longhorns to back-to-back titles in 1973 and 1974, an appearance in the 1973 Cotton Bowl (as a ), and being named the team's MVP as a senior in 1974. This recognition was further elevated by his selection for the in 2011, making him the 16th Texas player enshrined and underscoring his All-American status and impact on the program's defensive legacy. He was also inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. English's professional achievements with the , including multiple selections, paved the way for additional honors in Michigan, where he was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 for his ten-year career that featured innovative pass-rushing techniques and record-setting defensive plays. These inductions collectively affirm English's enduring influence across all levels of the sport, with his enshrinement particularly noted as a milestone for University of alumni.

Impact on football

Doug English played a pivotal role in shaping the defensive line position during his tenure with the Detroit Lions, particularly as a cornerstone of the team's renowned "Silver Rush" defense in the late 1970s and early 1980s. As an All-Pro defensive tackle, English anchored a versatile front four alongside Al "Bubba" Baker, William Gay, and Dave Pureifory, which emphasized coordinated pass rushing and relentless pressure on quarterbacks. This unit's dominance, including a career-high 13 sacks for English in 1983, exemplified an evolution in NFL defensive strategies by highlighting the effectiveness of multi-faceted linemen who could disrupt plays both inside and on the edge, contributing to the Lions' 1983 NFC Central Division title. After suffering a during the 1985 season, English underwent innovative surgery that preserved much of his mobility and later, around 2000, founded the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation to advocate for injury awareness and prevention in football. His personal experience with inspired efforts to educate players and coaches on spinal risks, including the design of protective equipment aimed at reducing such injuries during tackles and blocks. The foundation's programs have notably supported recovery for athletes, fostering community-based rehabilitation that lowers suicide rates among those affected and promotes safer playing techniques across youth and professional levels. English's mentorship extends his influence into community involvement, where he actively engages with young athletes to impart lessons on responsibility and resilience drawn from his football journey. In one notable instance, he counseled a troubled young man, advising him to embrace accountability, which reportedly transformed the individual's life path as confirmed by the youth's mother in a heartfelt letter. Residing in , English maintains ongoing ties to football communities, participating in University of Texas alumni events and former players' associations to share insights on the sport's physical and mental demands. As a durable player who logged 10 seasons despite his later , English's legacy lies in seamlessly transitioning from on-field record-setter to a beacon of , inspiring generations to prioritize and personal growth within football's culture. He was selected to the second-team by the in 1983.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EnglDo00.htm
  2. https://texaslonghorns.com/sports/general/roster/doug-english/1625
  3. https://footballfoundation.org/honors/hall-of-fame/doug-english/2311
  4. https://michigansportshof.org/inductee/doug-english/
  5. https://richardpennington.com/2015/09/21/the-improbable-football-career-of-doug-english/
  6. https://thehub.dallasisd.org/2019/04/19/dallas-isd-athletic-hof-spotlight-doug-english/
  7. https://www.texasfootball.com/hof-doug-english
  8. https://www.tshof.org/store/p92/Doug_English.html
  9. https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=2311
  10. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2013/12/03/westbank-resident-doug-english-reflects-on-football-career-hall-of-fame-induction/9906014007/
  11. https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2021/12/14/glory-days-how-the-1950-state-title-shaped-the-lives-of-sunset-football-players/
  12. https://bryanadamshighschool.org/class-of-1971.html
  13. https://www.cfbhall.com/inductees/doug-english-2011/
  14. https://texaslonghorns.com/honors/hall-of-honor/doug-english/595
  15. https://texaslonghorns.com/news/2014/3/4/FB_0304142553
  16. http://www.texascowboys.org/distinguished-alumni
  17. https://texaslonghorns.com/news/2011/5/17/051711aaa_98
  18. https://www.detroitlions.com/news/where-are-they-now-doug-english
  19. https://www.vintagedetroit.com/detroit-lions-silver-rush-anchor-doug-english-almost-wasnt/
  20. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/02/08/detroit-lions-doug-english-michigan-sports-hall-fame/23073741/
  21. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1983/leaders.htm
  22. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1982/allpro.htm
  23. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/safety_md_career.htm
  24. https://www.lonestarparalysis.org/board-of-directors
  25. https://www.armormenshealth.com/podcasts/former-nfl-star-doug-english-discusses-the-lone-star-paralysis-foundation/
  26. https://texaslonghorns.com/news/2002/4/16/041602aab_923
  27. https://www.npr.org/transcripts/147344516
  28. https://www.lonestarparalysis.org/who-we-are
  29. https://www.lonestarparalysis.org/rehab-center
  30. https://sperorehab.com/central-austin/
  31. https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/the_best_all_time_pass_rushing_group_from_all_32_nfl_teams/s1__40562036
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