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Ed Dickson
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Edward James Dickson (born July 25, 1987) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Oregon and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Dickson played football at Bellflower High School and played on both offense and defense, playing tight end and defensive end. Dickson led his team in receiving yards and quarterback sacks during his senior season, and by his performance he was named Southeast-South Coast Lineman of the-Year by the Los Angeles Times.[1] Dickson's high school awards include Best in the West Honorable Mention tight end/linebacker by the Long Beach Press-Telegram, First-team All-Suburban League and First-team All-league pick (offense and defense).[2]
College career
[edit]Dickson enrolled at the University of Oregon and was redshirted his freshman year. He spent time with the defensive ends, but ended up as the tight end in the team's depth chart behind Dante Rosario. He played 13 games as a defensive lineman in 2006.[3]
In 2009, Dickson was selected to the preseason watch list for the Mackey Award, given out to the nation's best tight end.[4] On September 27, 2009, Dickson was named the national player of the week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He earned the honors after catching 11 passes for 148 yards and three touchdowns in an upset of the #6 California Golden Bears.
Dickson earned his degree from Oregon in Family and Human Services.[5]
Awards and honors
[edit]- Pac-10 offensive player of the week for the week of September 26, 2009[6]
- 2008 Second-team All-Pac-10
- 2008 3rd-Team Pacific-10 All-Conference (Phil Steele)
Professional career
[edit]Pre-draft
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | Wonderlic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 4+1⁄4 in (1.94 m) |
249 lb (113 kg) |
33 in (0.84 m) |
9+3⁄4 in (0.25 m) |
4.61 s | 1.60 s | 2.64 s | 4.59 s | 7.32 s | 34 in (0.86 m) |
10 ft 2 in (3.10 m) |
25 reps | 10[7] |
| All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[8][9] | ||||||||||||
Dickson was regarded as one of the best tight ends available in the 2010 NFL draft.[10]

Baltimore Ravens
[edit]Dickson was selected in the third round (70th overall) by the Baltimore Ravens.[11][12] The pick was one of three that the Ravens acquired in a trade with the Denver Broncos on the first night of the draft on April 22. The Broncos received a first-round pick which was used to select Tim Tebow.[13] Dickson signed a three-year contract on July 2, 2010.
As a backup to veteran Todd Heap, Dickson recorded 11 receptions, 153 yards, and one touchdown. However, the following year marked big changes for Dickson. Heap was released, and Dickson found himself in a battle with Dennis Pitta for the starting job. Also, Dickson switched from #83 to #84 after Lee Evans became a Raven. Dickson was the main starter in 2011, and caught five touchdowns.
During the Ravens Super Bowl championship season in 2012, Dickson saw his role in the passing game decrease in favor of Pitta, though he often found himself on blocking duty.
During the 2013 season, however, Dickson was the starter for most of the season as Pitta suffered a hip fracture injury before the season began.
Carolina Panthers
[edit]On April 10, 2014, Dickson signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.[14]
Dickson signed a three-year, $6.8 million contract extension on March 11, 2015.[15] During the 2015 season, the Panthers won 15 games, which set a team record for victories.
On February 7, 2016, Dickson was part of the Panthers team that played in Super Bowl 50. In the game, the Panthers fell to the Denver Broncos by a score of 24–10.[16]
On October 8, 2017, Dickson posted an impressive performance with 175 receiving yards as the Panthers won 27–24 over the Detroit Lions.
Seattle Seahawks
[edit]On March 16, 2018, Dickson signed a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks worth up to $14 million, with the first year fully guaranteed.[17] He was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list on September 1, 2018.[18] He was activated to the active roster on October 27, 2018.[19]
On September 2, 2019, Dickson was placed on injured reserve.[20] He was designated for return from injured reserve on October 30, 2019, and began practicing with the team again.[21] He was activated on November 20, 2019.[22] However, he was placed back on injured reserve two days later.[23]
On March 31, 2020, Dickson was released by the Seahawks.[24] He officially announced his retirement as an active player on November 17, 2022.[25]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Bold | Career high |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Tgt | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | ||
| 2010 | BAL | 15 | 3 | 23 | 11 | 152 | 13.8 | 58 | 1 |
| 2011 | BAL | 16 | 16 | 89 | 54 | 528 | 9.8 | 25 | 5 |
| 2012 | BAL | 13 | 11 | 33 | 21 | 225 | 10.7 | 40 | 0 |
| 2013 | BAL | 16 | 14 | 43 | 25 | 273 | 10.9 | 43 | 1 |
| 2014 | CAR | 16 | 10 | 17 | 10 | 115 | 11.5 | 34 | 1 |
| 2015 | CAR | 16 | 11 | 26 | 17 | 121 | 7.1 | 17 | 2 |
| 2016 | CAR | 16 | 8 | 19 | 10 | 134 | 13.4 | 28 | 1 |
| 2017 | CAR | 16 | 12 | 48 | 30 | 437 | 14.6 | 64 | 1 |
| 2018 | SEA | 10 | 1 | 13 | 12 | 143 | 11.9 | 42 | 3 |
| 134 | 86 | 311 | 190 | 2,128 | 11.2 | 64 | 15 | ||
Playoffs
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Tgt | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | ||
| 2010 | BAL | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2011 | BAL | 2 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 37 | 12.3 | 16 | 0 |
| 2012 | BAL | 4 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 90 | 15.0 | 24 | 0 |
| 2014 | CAR | 2 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 67 | 22.3 | 34 | 0 |
| 2015 | CAR | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 22 | 11.0 | 16 | 0 |
| 2017 | CAR | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2018 | SEA | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 42 | 10.5 | 26 | 0 |
| 15 | 10 | 35 | 20 | 263 | 13.2 | 34 | 0 | ||
References
[edit]- ^ "Oregon Rivals: Ed Dickinson Bio". Rivals.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
- ^ Biggins, Greg (February 18, 2004). "SoCal TE Has Local Favorite". Rivals.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
- ^ "Ed Dickson Stats". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 5, 2009.[dead link]
- ^ Prince, Seth (July 29, 2009). "Oregon's Ed Dickson on watch list as nation's best tight end". OregonLive. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
- ^ "Ed Dickson – GoDucks.com – The University of Oregon Official Athletics Web Site". goducks.com. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
- ^ "Masoli, Mohamed and Costa Named Pac-10 Football Players of the Week". Pac-10.org. November 23, 2009. Archived from the original on November 26, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2009.
- ^ McGinn, Bob (April 17, 2009). "Rating the NFL draft prospects: Wide receivers, tight ends". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
- ^ "Ed Dickson Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved February 27, 2010.
- ^ "2010 NFL Draft Scout Ed Dickson College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved May 15, 2010.
- ^ "2010 NFL Draft: Tight End Rankings", WalterFootball.com, April 12, 2010.
- ^ "2010 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ Wilson, Aaron (April 24, 2010), "Ravens draft tight end Ed Dickson in third round", The National Football Post[permanent dead link].
- ^ "Ravens trade 25th overall pick to Denver Broncos," The Associated Press, Thursday, April 22, 2010. Archived June 10, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Henson, Max (April 10, 2014), "Panthers sign TE D", Panthers.com, archived from the original on April 13, 2014, retrieved April 10, 2014.
- ^ Newton, David (March 11, 2015). "TE Ed Dickson gets 3-year deal". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
- ^ "Super Bowl 50 – Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers – February 7th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
- ^ Boyle, John (March 16, 2018). "Seahawks Sign Tight End Ed Dickson". Seahawks.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018. Retrieved March 17, 2018.
- ^ "Seahawks Set 53-Man Roster". Seahawks.com. September 1, 2018.
- ^ Boyle, John (October 27, 2018). "Seahawks Activate Tight End Ed Dickson Ahead Of Sunday's Game at Detroit". Seahawks.com.
- ^ Boyle, John (September 2, 2019). "Seahawks Re-Sign WR Jaron Brown, Place TE Ed Dickson On Injured Reserve". Seahawks.com.
- ^ Boyle, John (October 30, 2019). "Tedric Thompson Placed On Injured Reserve, Ed Dickson Designated For Return". Seahawks.com. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
- ^ Boyle, John (November 20, 2019). "Seahawks Activate TE Ed Dickson, Waive CB Jamar Taylor". Seahawks.com.
- ^ Boyle, John (November 22, 2019). "Seahawks Promote Tyrone Swoopes From Practice Squad; Place Ed Dickson On Injured Reserve". Seahawks.com.
- ^ Boyle, John (March 31, 2020). "Seahawks Release TE Ed Dickson, Waive Safety Tedric Thompson". Seahawks.com. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
- ^ "Ed Dickson Retires as a Raven After 10-Year Career". Baltimore Ravens. November 17, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
External links
[edit]Ed Dickson
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family and upbringing
Ed Dickson was born on July 25, 1987, in Inglewood, California.[1] He grew up in Norwalk, a suburb near Los Angeles, living with his mother, Rena Dickson, his grandmother, and his two sisters in a predominantly Hispanic community that influenced his early cultural environment.[4][2] As a teenager, Dickson relocated to Bellflower, California, to reside with his aunt, Melinda Wilson, and his cousin Jordan, seeking access to a stronger school district.[4] This move supported his athletic development in the diverse Los Angeles area, where community resources fostered his initial involvement in sports like basketball alongside football.[4] By high school, these experiences helped shape his multi-sport foundation, leading to a primary focus on football.[4]High school career
Ed Dickson attended Bellflower High School in Bellflower, California, where he emerged as a standout two-way player in football.[2] As a four-year starter at tight end and defensive end, Dickson's performance progressed notably through his high school career. In his junior year, he recorded 19 receptions for 325 yards and 4 touchdowns on offense, while contributing 68 tackles, 12 quarterback sacks, and 12 passes knocked down on defense.[5] His senior year saw further improvement, with 28 catches for over 400 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, alongside 54 tackles (28 unassisted), 10 sacks, and punting duties averaging 45.4 yards on 11 attempts.[5] These efforts earned him recognition as a two-way first-team all-league selection in the Suburban League and Southeast/South Coast Lineman of the Year by the Los Angeles Times.[5] Dickson also excelled in basketball, starting on the varsity team and earning second-team All-CIF Southern Section honors as a senior in the 2004-05 season.[6] Rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals, Dickson received offers from multiple Pac-10 programs, including USC, before committing to the University of Oregon in February 2005.[7][8][5]College career
University of Oregon
Ed Dickson enrolled at the University of Oregon in 2005 and redshirted his freshman season before seeing his first game action as a redshirt freshman tight end in 2006. That year, he appeared in limited snaps across 13 games, managing just 4 receptions for 45 yards with no touchdowns.[9] In 2007, as a sophomore, Dickson transitioned into a more prominent starting role within the Ducks' up-tempo offense, playing in all 13 games and starting 10. He recorded 43 receptions for 453 yards and 3 touchdowns, including 70 receiving yards on three catches against Washington State that highlighted his big-play potential downfield. His contributions helped Oregon reach the Sun Bowl, where the Ducks defeated South Florida 56-21.[9][2] Dickson's junior season in 2008 marked his emergence as a core component of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's spread offense, which emphasized speed and spacing to create mismatches for pass-catchers like him. Starting all 13 games, he tallied 35 receptions for 508 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 14.5 yards per catch—second-best in the Pac-10 among tight ends. Notable performances included 7 catches for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns against Boise State, underscoring his red-zone reliability. Oregon capped the year with a 42-38 Holiday Bowl victory over Oklahoma State.[9][10] As a senior in 2009, with Chip Kelly promoted to head coach, Dickson solidified his status as the Ducks' primary tight end target, starting all 13 games in an offense that ranked among the nation's most explosive. He finished with 42 receptions for 551 yards and 6 touchdowns, leading the team in scoring catches and peaking with 11 receptions for 148 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 42-3 rout of California. Oregon earned a spot in the Rose Bowl as Pac-10 champions but lost 26-17 to Ohio State.[9][2][11] Over four seasons, Dickson played in 52 games for the Ducks, starting the final 39, and compiled 124 receptions for 1,557 yards and 12 touchdowns—records for tight ends at Oregon upon his graduation. His development from a reserve to a matchup nightmare exemplified the versatility demanded in Kelly's scheme, where he blocked on the perimeter while stretching defenses vertically.[9][12]| Year | Games Started | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 0 | 4 | 45 | 11.3 | 0 |
| 2007 | 10 | 43 | 453 | 10.5 | 3 |
| 2008 | 13 | 35 | 508 | 14.5 | 3 |
| 2009 | 13 | 42 | 551 | 13.1 | 6 |
| Career | 39 | 124 | 1,557 | 12.6 | 12 |
Awards and honors
During his junior season in 2008, Dickson earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors as a tight end, recognizing his contributions to Oregon's high-powered offense.[13] In his senior year of 2009, he received first-team All-Pac-10 recognition from the conference coaches and multiple outlets, including ESPN, after leading the Ducks in receptions. In 2009, following his 11-reception, three-touchdown performance against California, Dickson was named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week, Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week, and John Mackey Award Player of the Week.[14][2] On the national stage, Dickson was named a semifinalist for the 2009 John Mackey Award, which honors the nation's top tight end, as one of eight candidates selected by the award's committee.[15] He also garnered honorable mention All-American honors from Sports Illustrated following his standout senior campaign.[16] Dickson earned varsity letters in each of his four seasons at Oregon from 2006 to 2009, establishing himself as a consistent contributor to the Ducks' program.[9] These accolades, particularly his senior-year production of 42 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns, elevated his profile among NFL scouts and contributed to his selection in the third round (70th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.[2][1]Professional career
2010 NFL Draft
Dickson entered the 2010 NFL Draft as one of the top receiving tight ends, having set Oregon records with 124 career receptions for 1,557 yards and 12 touchdowns, which elevated his draft grade.[17] He participated in the Senior Bowl, where he showcased crisp route-running, good speed, and reliable hands during practices, impressing NFL scouts.[18] At the NFL Scouting Combine, Dickson clocked a 40-yard dash time of 4.67 seconds, ranking third among tight ends, and completed 23 bench press repetitions, tying for fifth at his position.[19] Scouting reports praised Dickson's athleticism, quickness in space, and red-zone prowess as a mismatch for linebackers and safeties, while noting his solid effort in blocking despite lacking elite power.[20] Analysts compared him to Antonio Gates for his frame (6-foot-4, 249 pounds) and ability to exploit speed advantages over defenders.[21] Projected as a mid-round selection due to his receiving skills offset by questions about blocking from a spread offense background, Dickson was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens with the 70th overall pick in the third round.[1] Following the draft, Dickson signed a four-year, $2.435 million rookie contract with the Ravens, including a $585,000 signing bonus and $585,000 in guarantees. In the offseason, he concentrated on adapting to the Ravens' pro-style offense, which demanded more inline blocking and complex route concepts than Oregon's spread system, including intensive playbook study and technique refinement to compete for playing time behind veteran Todd Heap.[22]Baltimore Ravens
Ed Dickson was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round (70th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft out of the University of Oregon, where he was expected to provide depth at tight end behind veteran Todd Heap.[1] As a rookie in 2010, Dickson appeared in 15 games, starting three, and contributed primarily on special teams while serving as a backup. He recorded 11 receptions for 152 yards and one touchdown, including a 34-yard touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in Week 15. His limited offensive role reflected the Ravens' established tight end hierarchy, but he showed promise in blocking and pass-catching during his debut season.[23][24] In 2011, following Heap's departure to the Arizona Cardinals, Dickson emerged as the starting tight end alongside Dennis Pitta, forming a dynamic duo in Baltimore's offense. He started all 16 games and achieved a breakout performance with 54 receptions for 528 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns among tight ends, highlighting his red-zone reliability and ability to stretch the field. Notable scores included a 15-yard touchdown against the San Diego Chargers and an 18-yard strike versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, contributing to the Ravens' 12-4 regular season record. His development into a reliable target for quarterback Joe Flacco underscored his growth from rookie contributor to offensive staple.[25][26][27] Dickson's role diminished in 2012 due to Pitta's emergence as the primary receiving tight end, limiting him to 13 games with 11 starts and 21 receptions for 225 yards but no touchdowns. Despite the reduced production, he remained a key blocker in the Ravens' run-heavy scheme and provided depth during their playoff push. As part of the 2012 Ravens squad, Dickson contributed to their Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers, appearing in the 34-31 win where he helped protect Flacco in the passing game during crucial drives. His postseason involvement included limited receptions but solid special teams play across four games, aiding Baltimore's first championship since 2000.[28][1][29] The 2013 season saw Dickson regain the starting role after Pitta suffered a season-ending hip injury in training camp, though Dickson himself dealt with a hamstring tear during preseason that sidelined him briefly. He played in all 16 games, starting 14, and posted 25 receptions for 273 yards and one touchdown—a 1-yard score against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. His performance provided stability to the tight end position amid injuries, with key contributions in blocking for running back Ray Rice and as a safety valve for Flacco, though his yards per catch averaged 10.9, reflecting a more possession-oriented role.[30][31][32] Over his four seasons with the Ravens from 2010 to 2013, Dickson appeared in 60 games, starting 44, and amassed 111 receptions for 1,178 yards and seven touchdowns. His tenure highlighted versatility as both a receiver and blocker, particularly in red-zone situations where he scored six of his touchdowns, and his contributions were integral to Baltimore's consistent playoff appearances, including the Super Bowl XLVII triumph.[1][3]Carolina Panthers
Ed Dickson signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on April 10, 2014, providing depth behind starting tight end Greg Olsen.[33] In his debut season, Dickson appeared in all 16 games, starting 10, and recorded 10 receptions for 115 yards and 1 touchdown, contributing primarily as a blocker in the Panthers' run-oriented offense.[1] Dickson re-signed with the Panthers on a three-year extension worth $6.8 million, including a $2 million signing bonus, on March 10, 2015.[34] During the 2015 regular season, he played all 16 games with 11 starts, catching 17 passes for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns, while helping anchor the offensive line as the team achieved a franchise-record 15-1 mark and advanced to the NFC Championship Game.[1] The Panthers reached Super Bowl 50 that year but lost 24-10 to the Denver Broncos, with Dickson appearing in the game but not recording a reception.[35] His prior Super Bowl experience with the Ravens from 2012 informed his preparation for Carolina's postseason run.[36] In 2016, Dickson started 8 of 16 games, registering 10 receptions for 134 yards and 1 touchdown, continuing to emphasize blocking duties in head coach Ron Rivera's scheme.[1] The following year, with Olsen sidelined for nine games due to a foot injury, Dickson assumed a starting role for 12 games, finishing with 30 catches for 437 yards and 1 touchdown—his most productive season in Carolina—while demonstrating improved blocking that supported the team's 11-5 record and wild-card playoff berth.[1][37] Rivera's emphasis on run blocking elevated Dickson's overall contributions, transitioning him from a secondary option to a key component in the offense. Over four seasons with the Panthers from 2014 to 2017, Dickson appeared in 64 regular-season games, accumulating 67 receptions for 807 yards and 5 touchdowns, evolving into a reliable primary tight end when needed and a consistent blocker in Rivera's system.[1]Seattle Seahawks
On March 16, 2018, the Seattle Seahawks signed tight end Ed Dickson to a three-year contract worth $10.7 million, including $3.6 million in guarantees, positioning him as a replacement for departing veteran Jimmy Graham.[38][39] The deal aimed to bolster the Seahawks' tight end group with a reliable blocker and receiver experienced in high-stakes environments, drawing from Dickson's prior appearances in Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens and Super Bowl 50 with the Panthers.[40] Dickson began the 2018 season on the non-football injury list due to a quadriceps strain sustained during offseason training, missing the first six games.[41] He returned in Week 7, appearing in 10 games and recording 12 receptions for 143 yards and three touchdowns, primarily serving as a rotational player behind starters Nick Vannett and rookie Will Dissly.[42] His touchdowns came against the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers, providing red-zone efficiency in an offense adapting to new coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's scheme under head coach Pete Carroll. However, depth chart competition limited his snaps, as Dissly's emergence as a receiving threat reduced Dickson's opportunities. In 2019, Dickson's tenure was further hampered by knee injuries that required surgery in August, and he did not appear in any regular season games. He was placed on injured reserve, briefly activated in late November without playing, and returned to injured reserve shortly after, undergoing surgery that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.[43] Over his two years with Seattle, Dickson totaled 12 receptions for 143 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games, struggling to adapt to the Seahawks' run-oriented system amid persistent injuries and a crowded tight end room featuring Dissly, Jacob Hollister, and Will Dissly.[44] The Seahawks released Dickson on March 31, 2020, with a failed physical designation, freeing up approximately $3.5 million in salary cap space as he entered the final year of his contract.[44][45] This move concluded his brief stint in Seattle, where injuries ultimately prevented him from establishing a consistent role.[46]Retirement
Ed Dickson officially announced his retirement from the NFL on November 17, 2022, electing to retire ceremonially as a member of the Baltimore Ravens, the team that selected him in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. The announcement occurred ahead of the Ravens' matchup against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium, where Dickson reflected on his journey from a Ravens rookie to a Super Bowl XLVII champion. Over his 10-year professional career, he appeared in 134 games, amassing 190 receptions for 2,128 yards and 15 touchdowns.[3][1] Dickson's decision stemmed from cumulative injuries, particularly chronic knee issues that limited his play during his final seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, as well as a growing emphasis on family priorities following his release from the team in March 2020. He had not pursued tryouts with any other franchises in the intervening years, citing the toll of these ailments and his role as a father to four children. In his reflections, Dickson expressed a desire to "be a Raven for life," underscoring Baltimore's foundational role in his professional development.[3][44] During the announcement, Dickson conveyed deep gratitude to key figures in his career, including head coach John Harbaugh, general manager Eric DeCosta, and former executives Steve Bisciotti and Ozzie Newsome, crediting them for setting the standard that shaped his success. He described the transition to life beyond football as a natural progression, allowing him to prioritize personal well-being after a decade defined by resilience and team contributions.[3]Career statistics
Regular season
Ed Dickson appeared in 134 regular season games over nine NFL seasons, recording 190 receptions for 2,128 yards and 15 touchdowns, with an average of 11.2 yards per catch.[1] His career began as a third-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2010, where he served primarily as a backup tight end in his rookie year, catching 11 passes for 152 yards and one touchdown across 15 games with three starts.[1] By 2011, Dickson transitioned to a starting role, achieving career highs with 54 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns in 16 starts, contributing significantly to the Ravens' passing attack led by quarterback Joe Flacco.[42] However, his production fluctuated in subsequent years with Baltimore due to injuries and competition from Dennis Pitta, including a career-low zero touchdowns in 2012 despite 21 catches for 225 yards in 13 games.[1] After signing with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent in April 2014, Dickson's role shifted toward blocking support in a run-heavy offense, complementing star tight end Greg Olsen.[47][33] In four seasons with Carolina, he amassed 67 receptions for 807 yards and five touchdowns over 64 games, with his receiving efficiency peaking at 14.6 yards per catch in 2017 (30 receptions for 437 yards), though he started only 41 of those games as a rotational player.[1] Dickson's blocking prowess became a hallmark, particularly in protecting the quarterback and aiding the ground game; he was noted for his reliability in these unquantified aspects, often stepping up during Olsen's injuries without matching his pass-catching volume.[48] Signing a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks in 2018, he played 10 games, catching 12 passes for 143 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in limited starts, before a season-ending injury; his tenure emphasized zone-blocking schemes to bolster Seattle's rushing attack.[49][1]| Year | Team | G | GS | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | BAL | 15 | 3 | 11 | 152 | 13.8 | 1 |
| 2011 | BAL | 16 | 16 | 54 | 528 | 9.8 | 5 |
| 2012 | BAL | 13 | 11 | 21 | 225 | 10.7 | 0 |
| 2013 | BAL | 16 | 14 | 25 | 273 | 10.9 | 1 |
| 2014 | CAR | 16 | 10 | 10 | 115 | 11.5 | 1 |
| 2015 | CAR | 16 | 11 | 17 | 121 | 7.1 | 2 |
| 2016 | CAR | 16 | 8 | 10 | 134 | 13.4 | 1 |
| 2017 | CAR | 16 | 12 | 30 | 437 | 14.6 | 1 |
| 2018 | SEA | 10 | 1 | 12 | 143 | 11.9 | 3 |
| Career | 134 | 86 | 190 | 2,128 | 11.2 | 15 |
Postseason
Ed Dickson participated in 15 postseason games over his NFL career, accumulating 20 receptions for 263 yards with no touchdowns.[35] In the 2010 playoffs with the Baltimore Ravens, Dickson appeared in two games, recording one reception for two yards. In the 2011 playoffs, he played two games with three receptions for 37 yards. In the 2012 playoffs, which culminated in a Super Bowl XLVII victory, Dickson appeared in four games and recorded six receptions for 90 yards. His contributions included one reception for 24 yards in the Wild Card win over the Indianapolis Colts, three receptions for 29 yards in the Divisional Round victory against the Denver Broncos, no receptions in the AFC Championship Game win versus the New England Patriots, and two receptions for 37 yards in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.[35] With the Carolina Panthers, Dickson participated in the 2014 playoffs (two games, three receptions for 67 yards), the 2015 playoffs en route to Super Bowl 50 (three games, two receptions for 22 yards, with no receptions in the NFC Championship Game victory over the Arizona Cardinals or in the Super Bowl 50 loss to the Denver Broncos), and the 2017 playoffs (one game, one reception for three yards). In the 2018 playoffs with the Seattle Seahawks, he played one game with four receptions for 42 yards.[35] As a tight end, Dickson frequently played a key blocking role in his teams' run-heavy playoff offenses, which often limited his receiving targets due to defensive matchups favoring coverage on tight ends.[50]| Year | Team | Games | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Baltimore Ravens | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2011 | Baltimore Ravens | 2 | 3 | 37 | 0 |
| 2012 | Baltimore Ravens | 4 | 6 | 90 | 0 |
| 2014 | Carolina Panthers | 2 | 3 | 67 | 0 |
| 2015 | Carolina Panthers | 3 | 2 | 22 | 0 |
| 2017 | Carolina Panthers | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 2018 | Seattle Seahawks | 1 | 4 | 42 | 0 |
| Career | 15 | 20 | 263 | 0 |
