Parnell Dickerson (1992) - Hall of Fame - Southwestern Athletic Conference

Hall of Fame

Basic Profile

Born March 14, 1953, in Brighton, Alabama.
Height: 6-foot-2; Weight: 185 lb.
Played college football at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) from 1972–1975 as quarterback.

Collegiate Achievements

Dickinson was a four-year starter at MVSU and a standout in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
He finished his college career with 599 completions on 894 attempts for 6,326 passing yards, 83 touchdowns, 33 interceptions in 37 games.
At one point he left the conference as its all-time leader in total offense.
His jersey number 18 was retired by MVSU.
Professional Career
He was selected in the 7th round (pick 183) of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In his rookie season he appeared in 8 NFL games, completing 15 of 39 passes for 210 yards, 1 touchdown and 5 interceptions.
His one NFL start came against the Miami Dolphins on October 24, 1976, where he became the franchise’s first quarterback to throw a touchdown pass.
His playing career was cut short by injury (including a torn ACL) and after brief attempts in other football capacities he moved on to non-playing roles.

Honors & Legacy

In 1992 he was an inaugural inductee into the SWAC Hall of Fame.
He was named to the class of 2017 of the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
He is remembered not only for his statistical production, but for pioneering as a Black quarterback in an era and context where that pathway was less common.

Post-Football Life

After his playing days, Dickinson became involved in insurance, opened daycare centers, and stayed connected to his community and alma mater.
He has remained engaged with MVSU athletics, fundraising, alumni events and mentoring