Anderson, "Dick" (Richard P.)
Football
b. Feb. 10, 1946, Midland, MI
6-2, 200, defensive back. A fullback in high school, Anderson became a defensive back at the University of Colorado and was named an All-American in 1967, his senior season. Anderson had 14 career interceptions and he ran back 2 punts for touchdowns in the post-season Blue-Gray all-star game.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder was chosen by the AFL's Miami Dolphins in the 1968 AFL-NFL draft and was named the league's defensive rookie of the year. He was an All-Pro safety from 1972 through 1974 as one of the leaders of Miami's "no-name" defense.
After the AFL merged into the NFL in 1970, the Dolphins won three straight AFC titles, from 1971 through 1973, and were Super Bowl champions after the 1972 and 1973 seasons.
Because of a knee injury, Anderson missed much of the 1975 season and all of the 1976 season. He made a comeback in 1977 and then retired. During his professional career, he returned 34 interceptions for 792 yards, a 23.3 average, and 3 touchdowns. He also ran back 40 punts for 272 yards and returned 7 kickoffs 114 yards.
The president of the NFL Players Association from 1975 to 1977, Anderson served as a Florida state senator for one term. He became a very successful businessman after leaving football.