Bill "Red" Dawson (1993) - Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame

Bill "Red" Dawson

Induction:
1993

Bill “Red” Dawson came to FSU in 1962 from tradition-rich Valdosta High. He weighed just 170 pounds, but gained 50 over his first two years and became one of the most dominant tight ends in FSU history. Dawson caught 34 passes for 416 yards and three touchdowns during the “Fred Biletnikoff-era” at FSU. When he was not on a pass pattern, Dawson was a punishing blocker. FSU Coach Bill Peterson called him “one of the best leaders I’ve ever been associated with” so it was no surprise he co-captained the 1964 team with Biletnikoff that stifled the Florida Gators, 16-7. It was an unprecedented victory forever ending the Florida’s reign as the state’s dominant football program.