Dale Dodrill

Dale Fike Dodrill (February 7, 1926 – January 18, 2019) was an American professional football player who was a defensive tackle for nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Colorado A&M Aggies (now Colorado State Rams).

Early life Dodrill was born to George Dodrill and Lettie (Fike) Dodrill on February 27, 1926, in Stockton, Kansas. The family farmed in Rooks County, Kansas and Dale attended Plainville, Kansas schools. In 1937, the Dodrill family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado and then to Loveland, Colorado. In 1942, Dodrill played on the Loveland High School state championship football team. Dodrill was selected into the United States Army right out of high school, serving in the 30th Infantry Division during World War II. Dodrill's brother Garrett died in a prison camp in the Philippines during the war. In 1952, Dodrill won the Nye Trophy as the most outstanding Colorado State male athlete. Dodrill was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.

Professional career Dodrill was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Round 6 of the 1951 NFL draft. During his nine-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dodrill posted career numbers of 10 interceptions and 11 recovered fumbles. One fumble recovery was returned for a touchdown.

Coaching career After retiring from pro football, Dodrill coached the defensive line for the Denver Broncos from 1960 to 1963 and again in 1966.

Later and personal life Dodrill married Janette Briggs on February 28, 1954. The couple has three sons, Garrett, Michael and David. In 1961, Dodrill started Dodrill Insurance in Denver, Colorado. After building a successful business, Dodrill sold Dodrill Insurance to his sons in 1991. Michael died in 1964 and Janette in 2015.