Keith Dorney

Keith Robert Dorney (born December 3, 1957) is a former American college and professional football player who was an offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons in the 1970s and 1980s. He played college football for Pennsylvania State University, and received All-American honors. Dorney was chosen in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft, and played for the NFL's Detroit Lions during his entire professional career.

Early years

Dorney was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Growing up in Macungie, Pennsylvania, he played high school football at Emmaus High School in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, where he competed in the East Penn Conference, which is known for its success in producing collegiate and NFL football talent. In his autobiography, Dorney dramatically recounts how he simultaneously tackled the opposing quarterback and running back during a handoff in a goal line stand. It resulted in a serious concussion, that produced some minor anterograde amnesia.

College career

Dorney attended Pennsylvania State University, where he played for coach Joe Paterno's Penn State Nittany Lions football team from 1975 to 1978. As a senior in 1978, he was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American and an Academic All-American. He earned a bachelor of science in insurance and real estate from Penn State in 1979, and a master's degree in education from the University of San Francisco. In tribute of his play at Penn State, Dorney was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

Professional career

Following his Penn State football career, Dorney entered the 1979 NFL Draft and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the draft's first-round, with the 10th overall selection. He played in the NFL for nine years, from 1979 to 1987. He was selected to the Pro Bowl once (in 1982). For the Lions, he played both offensive guard and offensive tackle. He was also the team's offensive captain from 1983 to 1987.

Dorney's NFL career was highlighted by his role as a lead blocker for NFL rushing great Billy Sims, who is 32nd in all-time NFL rushing yards.

Personal life

Dorney's autobiography, Black and Honolulu Blue: In the Trenches of the NFL, chronicles his life and football career.

From 2003 to 2006, Dorney was on the faculty of Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, California, teaching freshman English. Dorney and Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana both provided Cardinal Newman with periodic coaching support.

References

• Black and Honolulu Blue: In the Trenches of the NFL, a book by Keith Dorney.
• Keith Dorney at the College Football Hall of Fame
• "Dorney To Be Enshrined Into College Football Hall of Fame", Detroit Lions Web Site, May 19, 2005.
• "Keith Dorney College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Set for this Weekend", Penn State University press release, August 6, 2006.