Riley Dixon

Riley Dixon's Biography

Riley Thomas Dixon, born on August 24, 1993, is a professional American football player known for his proficiency in punting. He has built a formidable career in the National Football League (NFL), playing for the Denver Broncos. This biography outlines Dixon’s life, focusing on his early years, educational background, career, achievements, personal life, and contribution to the world of American Football.

Born in Oneida, New York, Dixon took his first step in football on the playgrounds of his old neighborhood. He attended Christian Brothers Academy in DeWitt, New York, where he started playing high school football. There, Dixon honed his skills, showed immense potential, and began to assert himself as a significant prospect for college-level football.

Following high school, Dixon’s talents took him to Syracuse, where he suited up for the Syracuse Orange in college football games. He had an exceptional period at Syracuse and made a name for himself as a potential NFL talent. Despite the competition, Dixon stood out with his unique skills and talent as a punter, earning him an opportunity in the NFL draft in 2016.

Dixon’s NFL career kicked off after being selected by the Denver Broncos as the 228th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL draft. He was the second of three punters picked in the draft. Dixon’s career took a positive turn when the Broncos signed him to a four-year rookie contract worth $2.42 million, including an $80,009 signing bonus, on May 11, 2016.

Fueled by these developments, Dixon won the punting job for the Broncos on August 30, 2016, following the departure of Britton Colquitt. He was quick to hit the field and made an impressive debut in his rookie season. On December 11, 2016, he made a spectacular performance in a fake punt in which he threw a 16-yard pass, a feat only achieved before by Chris Norman in 1986.

In his rookie season with the Broncos, Dixon punted 89 times for a 41.3 net average, the best performance by a rookie in NFL history. His talents were recognized when he made it to the 2016 All-Rookie Team, a first for a Bronco player since Chris Harris Jr. and Von Miller in 2011.

Dixon’s 2017 season saw him punt 73 times for 3,331 net yards, making a 45.63 average. However, in April 2018, Dixon was traded to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2019 conditional seventh-round draft pick when the Broncos signed Marquette King.

During his inaugural season with the Giants, he recorded 71 punts for 3,226 net yards for a 45.44 average. After an outstanding performance, the Giants decided to retain Dixon by signing him to a three-year contract extension in December 2019.

He achieved a career milestone on November 15, 2020, when he punted a staggering 71 yards in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This feat marked the longest punt of his career and a testament to his strengths. A few days later, however, on November 18, 2020, Dixon was listed on reserve due to COVID-19 protocols, but was cleared to play again on November 23, 2020.

In December 2021, Dixon renegotiated his contract with the Giants to ease their salary-cap constraints. His association with the Giants came to an end on March 10, 2022, as he was released and later signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams on April 5, 2022. It proved to be a standout period for Dixon as the Rams managed to beat the Denver Broncos 51-14 in week 16 without requiring a single punt. The match was held on Christmas Day and marked Dixon’s first-ever zero-punt game throughout his career.

As the NFL season progressed, Dixon found himself returning to his original outfit, the Denver Broncos, on March 21, 2023, signing a two-year contract. His return was seen as a testament to his abilities and the important role he played as the team’s key punter.

Riley T. Dixon’s journey is a remarkable tale of passion and perfection in the world of American football. His contribution as a punter at the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Los Angeles Rams bears testimony to his enduring talent. Having consistently proved himself in the NFL, Riley T. Dixon reigns as one of the league’s top punters, continuing to amaze fans with his skill and on-the-field intellect.