Dwight Stephenson
Football · Hometown: Rocky Mount, NC
- College
- University of Alabama
- Pro team(s)
- Miami Dolphins
- Hall of Fame
- ⭐ Pro Football Hall of Fame
Dwight Eugene Stephenson was born on November 20, 1957, in Murfreesboro, North Carolina — a small town in Hertford County — and became one of the most dominant centers in NFL history during a career cut tragically short by injury. Recruited by Bear Bryant to the University of Alabama, Stephenson was selected in the 2nd round by the Miami Dolphins in 1980 and immediately established himself as the finest center of his generation. "The best center I have ever coached or seen play" is how Don Shula described him — high praise from the winningest coach in NFL history. Stephenson was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a three-time first-team All-Pro, and the anchor of a Miami offensive line that allowed Dan Marino to operate behind one of the safest pockets in football. His career ended in 1987 when a tackle from Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall left him with severe ligament damage in his right knee that required multiple surgeries. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Born in Murfreesboro, North Carolina.