Chris Dixon (American football) explained

Chris Dixon
Current Team:Cactus Shadows Falcons
Position:Head coach
Birth Date:November 15, 1981
Birth Place:Oakland, California, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:0
Weight Lbs:200
High School:Richmond (CA)
College:Contra Costa (2000–2001)
Humboldt State (2002–2003)
Undraftedyear:2003
Pastteams:
Pastcoaching:
Highlights:
As a player
  • United Bowl champion (20092012, 2014, 2019)
  • 4× United Bowl MVP (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014)
  • Indoor Bowl champion (2006)
  • Champions Bowl champion (2017)
  • NAFL national champion (2004)
  • NAFL National Championship MVP (2004)
  • NWFL champion (2004)
  • 3× IFL Most Valuable Player
  • 4× IFL Offensive Player of the Year
  • UIF Most Valuable Player (2008)
  • UIF Offensive Player of the Year (2008)
  • NWFL Rookie of the Year (2004)
  • 4× First-team All-IFL
  • Second-team All-IFL
  • 2× UIF Western All-Star (2007, 2008)
  • First-team All-NAFL (2004)
  • First-team All-NWFL (2004)
  • Second-team All-GNAC (2003)
  • IFL Hall of Fame
As a coach
  • Montana Class B – Eastern champion (2020)
Aflstatlabel1:Comp-Att
Aflstatvalue1:111–182
Aflstatlabel2:Passing Yards
Aflstatvalue2:1,517
Aflstatlabel3:TD-INT
Aflstatvalue3:30–8
Aflstatlabel4:Rushing Yards
Aflstatvalue4:230
Aflstatlabel5:Rushing TDs
Aflstatvalue5:10
Afl:12611

Christopher Dixon II (born November 15, 1981) is a former professional indoor football quarterback who currently serves as the head coach for Cactus Shadows High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. He ended his long playing career with a stint for the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League (AFL) before returning to the Sioux Falls Storm near the end of their 2019 season. Dixon attended Contra Costa College for two years before attending Humboldt State University, where he was an all-conference player.

After failing to be drafted, Dixon played semi-professional outdoor football before becoming an indoor football player. In 2005, he made his professional debut with the Black Hills Red Dogs, playing both quarterback and wide receiver. Upon his release, Dixon signed with the Billings Mavericks, where he would play for 5 seasons, winning 3 championships and throwing 369 touchdowns. Upon the folding of the Billings franchise, Dixon signed with the Sioux Falls Storm, where he won two championships in as many seasons. In 2012, Dixon signed with the Orlando Predators, it was the first time in Dixon's career that he played arena football instead of indoor football.

Dixon is considered the greatest indoor football quarterback of all time, winning six championships, as well as the first indoor football player to throw for 500 career touchdowns. He was inducted into the Indoor Football League Hall of Fame in 2015.

College career

Dixon attended Contra Costa College for two years before attending Humboldt State University for his final two years of school.

Professional career

Oakland Vipers

Dixon played for the Oakland Vipers of the Golden State Amateur Football League (GSAFL) for a single season in 2003, and he held the record for the most passing yards in a single game (471) as of 2005.[1]

Eastside Hawks

Dixon began playing indoor football when he signed with the Eastside Hawks, who at the time was playing semi-professional in the Northwest Football League (NWFL). He led the Hawks to an NWFL Championship, allowing them to enter the North American Football League (NAFL) national playoffs where they won the NAFL National Championship.[2] [3] Dixon won Championship Game MVP and NWFL Rookie of the Year honors.

Black Hills Red Dogs

In 2005, Dixon signed with the Black Hills Red Dogs of United Indoor Football. While with the Red Dogs, Dixon played quarterback, receiver, and defensive back, completing 59 of 114 passes for 493 yards with five touchdowns, while also having 12 receptions for 202 yards and three touchdowns. After starting the season 0–7, however, Dixon asked to be released from the team due to family affairs.[4]

Billings Mavericks / Outlaws

Dixon quickly signed with the Billings Mavericks of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL), where he would split time with Bob Bees at quarterback during the remainder of the 2005 season.[5] Dixon led the Outlaws to three championships (2006, 2009 & 2010) throughout his five seasons with the team.

Sioux Falls Storm

In 2012, Dixon threw his 500th career touchdown pass, when he hit James Terry with a 42-yard pass during a May 19 game against the Green Bay Blizzard.[6] With his 500th touchdown, Dixon became the 10th player to throw for a 500th touchdown at any professional level.

Orlando Predators

Dixon has signed with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League for the 2013 season.[7] Dixon was named the backup quarterback to Kyle Rowley to start the season. In the Predators first game, Dixon appeared in one play, a zone read play near the goalline, where Dixon was tackled for a 1-yard loss. Dixon didn't play again until the Predators' Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Soul. Dixon came in to replace the struggling Rowley, and completed 9 of 13 passes for 120-yards. Dixon also had 2 touchdown passes and one interception against the Soul.[8] Dixon was released in late May.

New Orleans VooDoo

On May 30, 2013, Dixon was assigned to the New Orleans VooDoo.[9] In Dixon's first game action with the VooDoo, he replaced starter Kurt Rocco, who was struggling against the San Antonio Talons' pass-rush. Dixon could evade defenders, running for 66 yards, and did not get sacked once. Dixon took over trailing 21–6 and led the VooDoo to a 56–53 loss after he was tripped up as he was attempting to make a pass on the final play of the game.[10] Dixon's playing style caught the attention of many in the league. Dixon is one of the few players to ever play arena football out of the shotgun.[11] Dixon's play helped the VooDoo fight to get back into the playoff picture for 2013.[12]

Sioux Falls Storm (second stint)

On January 6, 2014, it was announced that Dixon would be returning to the Storm, citing his desire to graduate from Augustana College and be close to his family as his reasons for return.[13] After the 2014 season, Dixon announced his retirement as a player.

Sioux Falls Storm (third stint)

After making it to their 17th straight playoff appearance, the Storm signed Dixon for the 2019 IFL playoffs.[14] The Storm would go on to win the 2019 United Bowl, making it Dixon's ninth championship of his career.

Arizona Rattlers

On March 30, 2023, following quarterback Drew Powell being placed on short-term injured reserve, it was announced that Dixon was signed to the Arizona Rattlers.[15]

IFL career statistics

Legend
IFL MVP & OPOY
IFL Offensive Player of the Year
United Bowl MVP
Won the United Bowl
IFL record
Led the league
BoldCareer best

Regular season

YearTeamGamesPassingRushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int Rtg Att Yds TD
14 14 12–2 209 292 71.6 2,509 69 7 127.13 97 452 12
13 13 12–1 214 308 69.5 2,040 63 7 117.70 104 543 12
SFS14 14 13–1 224 332 67.5 2,856 74 10 121.19 94 448 21
SFS14 14 14–0 268 363 73.8 3,321 67 7 133.28 -- 711 30
SFS14 14 13–1 215 346 62.1 2,390 54 6 114.44 106 442 17
ARI0 0
IFL career 69 69 64–5 1,130 1,641 68.9 13,116 327 37 122.96 N/A 2,596 92

Postseason

YearTeamGamesPassingRushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int Rtg Att Yds TD
3 3 3–0 30 61 49.2 362 11 1 100.55 22 146 4
4 4 4–0 70 100 70.0 692 19 1 124.67 193 5
Sioux Falls3 3 3–0 -- --
Sioux Falls1 1 1–0 19 23 -- 278 8 0 --
Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls0 0

United Bowl

YearUBTeamOpp.PassingRushingResult
Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int Rtg Att Yds TD
RiverCity14 26 53.9 162 5 1 -- 9 45 1 W 71–62
Sioux Falls17 25 68.0 153 2 2 -- 13 50 2 W 43–34
Tri-Cities
Tri-Cities
Nebraska14 22 63.6 157 6 0 -- -- -- 2 W 63–46
ArizonaW 56–53

Coaching career

Billings Senior HS

In 2006 and 2007, Dixon coached at Billings Senior High School under head coach Mark Sulser.[16]

Billings Wolves

In late July 2014, the Billings Wolves of the Indoor Football League announced they had signed Dixon as head coach for their upcoming inaugural season.

Shepherd HS

Before the 2019 season, Dixon was hired as the head coach of the Shepherd High School in Shepherd, Montana.

Cactus Shadows HS

In July 2022, Cactus Shadows High School in Scottsdale, AZ announced they had selected Coach Dixon to lead their football program. His first two seasons with the Falcons ended with a 4–6 record.

Head coaching record

Professional

League Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
5 9 4th in Intense 0 0
8 8 2nd in Intense 0 1
BIL totals 13 17 0 1
IFL totals 13 17 0 1
Career totals 13 17 0 1

High school

Year School Record Titles
2019 4–5
2020 Shepherd Mustangs 4–4 B – Eastern champions
Shepherd totals 8–9
2022 4–6
2023 Cactus Shadows Falcons 4–6
2024 Cactus Shadows Falcons 0–0
Cactus Shadows totals 8–12
Career totals 16–21

Personal life

Dixon's oldest son Chishon played basketball at Montana State Billings before transferring to Montana Tech. His son Donivan plays for Cactus Shadows High School as the starting quarterback.

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Red Dogs sign pair of QBs; season starts Saturday . March 15, 2005 . Rapid City Journal . November 2, 2012.
  2. Web site: Fisher . Darrell . Hawks win back to back NWFL Championships . community.digitalsports.com . 31 December 2023.
  3. Web site: 2004 NAFL National Champions....EASTSIDE HAWKS . November 18, 2004 . Digital Sports . www.community.digitalsports.com . November 2, 2012.
  4. Web site: Red Dogs say Goodbye to QB/WR Chris Dixon . May 19, 2005 . OurSports Central . www.oursportscentral.com . November 2, 2012.
  5. News: Mavericks turn to new QB for spark . Joe Kusek . May 20, 2005 . Billings Gazette . November 2, 2012.
  6. News: Dixon etches name in record books with 500th career TD pass . May 30, 2012 . Ryan Minch . Billings Gazette . November 2, 2012.
  7. News: Chance of Chris Leak returning to Preds appears unlikely . November 19, 2012 . Brendan Sonnone . Orlando Sentinel . November 20, 2012.
  8. News: Host Predators walloped by Philadelphia 61–33 . https://archive.today/20130630021807/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/football/predators/os-orlando-predators-philadelphia-soul-0407-20130406,0,970739.story . dead . June 30, 2013 . April 6, 2013 . J.C. Carnahan . Orlando Sentinel . April 15, 2013 .
  9. Web site: New Orleans VooDoo acquires QB Chris Dixon and continues homestand Saturday against Cleveland . May 31, 2013 . Rachel Whittaker . NOLA Media Group. . www.nola.com . July 2, 2013.
  10. Web site: VooDoo’s Pat O’Hara noncommittal on naming starting QB . June 30, 2013 . Gary Estwick . Capital City Press LLC . www.theadvocate.com . July 2, 2013.
  11. Web site: VooDoo QB Chris Dixon stands tall, defies the odds . Nick Krueger . July 9, 2013 . LeSEA Broadcasting . www.sportsnola.com . July 12, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130820094957/http://www.sportsnola.com/sports/voodoo/598100-voodoo-qb-chris-dixon-stands-tall-defies-the-odds.html . August 20, 2013 .
  12. Web site: Rattlers will have to be ready for VooDoo dual-threat QB Chris Dixon out of the shotgun . Richard Obert . July 11, 2013 . Gannett . www.azcentral.com . July 12, 2013.
  13. News: . . Quarterback Chris Dixon returning to Storm . January 6, 2014 . January 6, 2014 . dead . https://archive.today/20140107053718/http://www.argusleader.com/article/20140106/UPDATES/140106012/Quarterback-Chris-Dixon-returning-Storm . January 7, 2014 .
  14. Web site: Dixon Returns to the Storm for the IFL Playoffs . dakotanewsnow.com . 27 December 2023.
  15. Web site: RATTLERS PLACE POWELL ON IR, SIGN QB CHRIS DIXON . 2023-04-01 . Arizona Rattlers . en.
  16. Web site: Bofinger . Alec . Indoor Football legend Chris Dixon taking the reins at Shepherd . montanasports.com . 27 December 2023.