D'Cota Dixon

American football player (born 1994)

American football player
D'Cota Dixon
Personal information
Born: (1994-11-20) November 20, 1994 (age 29)
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, U.S.
Height:5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:204 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school:New Smyrna Beach (FL)
College:Wisconsin
Position:Safety
Undrafted:2019
Career history
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019–2020)
Career highlights and awards
Player stats at PFR

D'Cota Dixon (born November 20, 1994) is a former American football safety and rugby union player. He played college football at Wisconsin before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After being released by the Buccaneers, Dixon signed with rugby squad the American Raptors.

Early life

Dixon was raised by a single mother who was sometimes beaten by her boyfriend; he and a brother were eventually placed into foster care. His father was a drug addict for much of Dixon's young life until he died of a heart attack when Dixon was in high school. After struggling with anger issues early in life, Dixon eventually became more mild-mannered, citing his Christian faith.[1]

Dixon was a three-star recruit out of New Smyrna Beach High School in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He committed to play for Wisconsin over offers from Michigan State, Illinois, West Virginia, and more.

Football career

College career

Dixon started his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons on the Wisconsin Badgers football team, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors his junior year.[2] Injuries hampered his senior campaign, but he was still invited to the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine.[3]

After his senior season, Dixon was named the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award for exceptional character.[4]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 9.63 in
(1.77 m) 		204 lb
(93 kg) 		29.25 in
(0.74 m) 		9.13 in
(0.23 m)		 4.81 s 1.66 s 33.5 in
(0.85 m)		 10 ft 11 in
(3.33 m)		 20 reps
All values from NFL Combine[5]

On May 13, 2019, Dixon signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent.[6] On August 8, 2019, Dixon was placed on injured reserve.[7] Dixon was waived by the Buccaneers during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, and was signed to the practice squad the following day.[8] He was released on October 20.[9]

Rugby career

In 2021, Dixon signed with the independent rugby union team American Raptors in Glendale, Colorado as a wing.[10] Dixon was recruited by his roommate and Raptors player Justin Barlow, who was recruited at a regional NFL combine.[11] The Raptors competed independently, having left Major League Rugby in 2020. Dixon played the fall 2021 and spring 2022 campaigns with the Raptors.[12]

References

  1. ^ Potrykus, Jeff. "Dixon cherishes his savior, faith". Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  2. ^ Galloway, Jason. "Badgers senior safety D'Cota Dixon leaving lasting impact on and off field". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  3. ^ Riese, Owen. "2019 NFL Draft: DB D'Cota Dixon scouting report". Bucky's 5th Quarter. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  4. ^ Schutte, Dustin. "Wisconsin's D'Cota Dixon named Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year". Saturday Tradition. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  5. ^ "D'Cota Dixon | Combine Results | S – Wisconsin". NFL Combine Results. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  6. ^ Smith, Scott (May 13, 2019). "Four Tryout Players Earn Roster Spots with Bucs". Buccaneers.com.
  7. ^ "Buccaneers Sign Guard Salesi Uhatafe, Place S D'Cota Dixon on Injured Reserve". buccaneers.com.
  8. ^ Smith, Scott (September 6, 2020). "Bucs Get Draft Picks Back on Super-Sized Practice Squad". Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  9. ^ Bouda, Nate (October 20, 2020). "Buccaneers Waive WR John Hurst, Sign DL Kobe Smith To PS". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  10. ^ "DNVR Rugby Podcast: American Raptors Wing D'Cota Dixon and Former Raptor Sam Slade". thednvr.com. October 8, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  11. ^ Schley, Stewart (July 26, 2022). "Perfect Pitch". ColoradoBiz. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  12. ^ @AmericanRaptors (June 24, 2022). "D'Cota Dixon and David Still found their way in for some tries in our season finale" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  • Wisconsin Badgers bio