John Dutton

John Dutton (born September 20, 1975) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the Arena Football League (AFL). He was drafted out of University of Nevada, Reno in the 6th round of the 1998 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. In 2005, he led the Crush to the ArenaBowl XIX title. In 2006, he was on the cover of EA Sports' first AFL video game, Arena Football. He had been the backup quarterback for the San Jose SaberCats behind Mark Grieb. After Grieb's suffered a season-ending injury earlier in the year, Dutton quarterbacked the SaberCats to a 52–14 victory over the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVI. He was named Offensive Player of the Game for his performance. In June 2009, Dutton was signed by the RiverCity Rage of the Indoor Football League (IFL). On February 12, 2010, it was announced that Dutton had been signed by the Cleveland Gladiators.

Early life Dutton attended Fallbrook Union High School in Fallbrook, California, and was a letterman in basketball and football. In football, he passed for 2,056 yards and ten touchdowns as a senior. Dutton then played college football for the Texas Longhorns, but was only a backup to starting quarterback James Brown. He later transferred to Nevada, and played for the Nevada Wolf Pack. Dutton helped the Wolf Pack win two Big West championships, and the 1996 Las Vegas Bowl.

Professional career

Miami Dolphins Dutton was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 6th round of the 1998 NFL draft with the 172nd overall pick. He was released during the Dolphins' training camp.

Atlanta Falcons Dutton was picked up in training camp by the Atlanta Falcons, but never played in a game. He only played in one game for the Rage that year in June against Bloomington.

Cleveland Gladiators On February 12, 2010, Dutton was signed by the Cleveland Gladiators. He played for the Gladiators for 3 seasons. He missed most of the 2011 season with a torn Achilles tendon. In 2012, he won the Al Lucas AFL Hero Jason Foundation Award.

San Antonio Talons In March 2013, Dutton was signed by the San Antonio Talons. During the 2nd game of the season he ruptured his right Achilles tendon forcing him out of action for the remainder of the year. He retired at season's end.

AFL statistics Legend ArenaBowl MVP Won the ArenaBowl Led the league Bold Career high

Coaching career John Dutton coached high school football at Linfield Christian School in Temecula, California during the 2004–2005 season. As the quarterback and wide receiver coach, Dutton helped lead Linfield Christian on to a 10–2–1 overall record. He served as quarterback and running backs coach at College of the Siskiyous in Weed, California in 2015. Starting in 2017, Dutton became head coach at Mt. Shasta High School in Mt. Shasta, California, where he coached the team to a 1–9 record in his first season. In 2018, he was named the new head coach at McCloud High School in McCloud, California, coaching 8-man football, their first program in 17 years. In 2021, Dutton joined the varsity football coaching staff at Reno High School in Reno, Nevada.

Missions work Dutton, his wife Terina and their children served as missionaries in Africa. They founded The Dutton Family Foundation.