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Hart Lee Dykes Jr.[1] (born September 2, 1966) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for two seasons with the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, earning consensus All-American honors in 1988. Dykes was selected in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft with the 16th overall pick. His career was cut short when he fractured his kneecap[2] and because of an eye injury which occurred during a bar room fight that also involved teammate Irving Fryar in 1990.[3] He was also drafted into the Chicago White Sox minor league system in 1989.[4]

Background

He was the winner of the Pitch, Hit and Run competition as a 10-year-old. He was honored at the 1977 MLB All-Star Game.[citation needed] Dykes played high school basketball with LaBradford Smith, and the duo lead their high school, Bay City, to the 4A State Championship in 1985. He was also part of his high school's track team, which won a state championship in 1984.[5] He was awarded the Dial Award as the national high school scholar-athlete of the year in 1984.

Playing career

At OSU, he was a member of a talented offense with Mike Gundy at quarterback and Thurman Thomas and later, Barry Sanders at running back. Dykes was selected in the first round (16th pick) of the 1989 NFL Draft.[6] In two seasons with the Patriots, Dykes caught 83 passes for 1,344 yards and seven touchdowns.[7]

Post-playing career

As of 2002, Dykes was the owner of a trucking company in Sugar Land, Texas.[8]

Philanthropy

Dykes is a major advocate for charities such as the Jimmy Fund and Autism Awareness.

References

  1. ^ "Faces in the Crowd," Sports Illustrated, August 8, 1977. Retrieved December 19, 2020
  2. ^ NFL Disability Plan Draws Congressional Attention - washingtonpost.com
  3. ^ ESPN.com - Page2 - Readers: Worst NFL team
  4. ^ SPORTS PEOPLE: BASEBALL; White Sox Sign Dykes - New York Times
  5. ^ Kensler, Tom (August 17, 1985). "Hitting Started Early for Dykes It's Been Open Season on Cowboy". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  6. ^ "1989 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  7. ^ Hart Lee Dykes career stats
  8. ^ USATODAY.com
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