RUSTON -- Louisiana Tech legend Fred Dean was honored Monday night at the Ruston Civic Center during a ceremony recognizing Fred Dean Day.
However, prior to the ceremony, the two-time Super Bowl champion and newest member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame took time to talk to members of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs following the team’s workout Monday morning at Joe Aillet Stadium.
“I think it’s always important to bring back guys who have gone on to be successful not only in football but in life,” said Tech head coach Derek Dooley. “Fred’s done it the right way. The more of these role models that we can bring around our players the bigger impact it will have on them developing the right character. Louisiana Tech is honored to have a guy like Fred.”
Dean, who starred at Ruston High School before leading Louisiana Tech to a 44-4 mark and two national titles during his four-year collegiate career, was one of six former players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Aug. 2 in Canton, Ohio.
During his 10-minute talk to the Tech players, Dean focused on talking about doing what was right, working hard everyday and trying to accomplish goals.
“I look back on a lot of things I did (when I was at Louisiana Tech),” Dean said. “I did some crazy things but I never did anything that would hurt anyone. My mom and dad taught me to respect them and to respect others.
“You guys can be as good as you want to be and you can do anything you want to do. Not everyone will play in the NFL. You just need to come in with the right attitude and work ethic and you can accomplish anything you want.”
The three-time All-American was selected in the second round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. Dean played for the Chargers for six years before going to San Francisco where he helped lead the 49ers to two Super Bowl championships.
Along the way, the four-time Pro Bowler became one of the most feared pass-rushers to ever play the game, recording almost 100 career sacks. He set the NFL single game record with six sacks against the New Orleans Saints during the 1983 season.
Dooley said it is important that Louisiana Tech and Ruston honor Dean’s legacy.
“It’s important to me that we honor him back,” Dooley said. “We have a great history at Tech. I don’t think the young kids know about it because it was 30 years ago. Louisiana Tech’s history is one of the things that attracted me to this program. You love going to a place that has that history and Fred Dean was a big part of it.”
However, prior to the ceremony, the two-time Super Bowl champion and newest member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame took time to talk to members of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs following the team’s workout Monday morning at Joe Aillet Stadium.
“I think it’s always important to bring back guys who have gone on to be successful not only in football but in life,” said Tech head coach Derek Dooley. “Fred’s done it the right way. The more of these role models that we can bring around our players the bigger impact it will have on them developing the right character. Louisiana Tech is honored to have a guy like Fred.”
Dean, who starred at Ruston High School before leading Louisiana Tech to a 44-4 mark and two national titles during his four-year collegiate career, was one of six former players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Aug. 2 in Canton, Ohio.
During his 10-minute talk to the Tech players, Dean focused on talking about doing what was right, working hard everyday and trying to accomplish goals.
“I look back on a lot of things I did (when I was at Louisiana Tech),” Dean said. “I did some crazy things but I never did anything that would hurt anyone. My mom and dad taught me to respect them and to respect others.
“You guys can be as good as you want to be and you can do anything you want to do. Not everyone will play in the NFL. You just need to come in with the right attitude and work ethic and you can accomplish anything you want.”
The three-time All-American was selected in the second round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. Dean played for the Chargers for six years before going to San Francisco where he helped lead the 49ers to two Super Bowl championships.
Along the way, the four-time Pro Bowler became one of the most feared pass-rushers to ever play the game, recording almost 100 career sacks. He set the NFL single game record with six sacks against the New Orleans Saints during the 1983 season.
Dooley said it is important that Louisiana Tech and Ruston honor Dean’s legacy.
“It’s important to me that we honor him back,” Dooley said. “We have a great history at Tech. I don’t think the young kids know about it because it was 30 years ago. Louisiana Tech’s history is one of the things that attracted me to this program. You love going to a place that has that history and Fred Dean was a big part of it.”
